visualizing your cover letter graphic organizer

15 Free Online Graphic Organizer Types and Examples

Graphic organizer plays a significant role in a presentation or learning materials like books. It is characterized as a convenient means to identify key points and understand concepts in a subject area. In addition, this allows you to effectively create meaningful structures, make relationships of ideas, and have precise information. But depending on the context, the organizers have a variety of uses. Thus, here are some free graphic organizer types and examples to design perfect diagrams or charts according to your needs.

Types of Graphic Organizers to Visualize Ideas

Concept map, hierarchy chart, cause and effect map, timeline chart, venn diagram, sequence chart, idea web graphic chart, analogy organizer, cluster diagram, persuasion map, problem-solving organizer.

You can also use a concept map to brainstorm ideas, discover a number of thoughts, solve problems, and visualize goals. Anyone can utilize this tool including designers, writers, engineers, and students for learning purposes. Similarly, you can branch out many ideas as needed and most likely to end up looking web graphic organizer. In other words, this is suitable for large and complex topics.

Depending on your needs, the hierarchy chart comes with a variety of uses. It is utilized primarily used by Human Resources in creating an organizational chart. The same can be said when visualizing ideas. This graphic organizer lets you understand categories and subcategories by using the top-down structure of the hierarchy chart.

Cause and effect map assists in clearly determining the possible causes of a specific event, problem, or condition and take action to solve the issues. More so, it has a fish skeleton structure in which the bones represent the causes. The fish head to the right should reflect the main effect. Using this diagram, members can also participate in a team discussion when analyzing problems and take corrective actions.

A mind map is another helpful graphic organizer to show relationships between ideas. Instead of sentences, mind map ideally uses keywords per association to summarize information making it easier to memorize and recall. Besides, it allows users to be creative by integrating colors, font style, images along with several kinds of layout structure for a comprehensive mind map.

Another idea organizer that you can use to make a comparison of two options is the T chart. There will be two columns separated by a vertical line in between and a horizontal line at the top allotted for the headings or topics. Under each column are the characteristics, specs, events, situations, etc. This graphic free graphic organizer could help you to make clear decisions by comparing the pros and cons of a given occasion.

This chart is a type of diagram that shows the chronological order or sequence of events. Besides its beneficial impact on studying history, this may also come in handy if you’re trying to display development, progress, or improvement of a business. On some occasions, this graphic organizer is visually presented as a freeform shape but is ideally visualized horizontally or vertically.

Venn diagram helps you visualize comparisons, differences, as well as similarities between two subjects. This has an interesting way of showing differences and similarities. Basically, creates an illustration of two overlapping circles where the similarities are located in the union of two circles or common area. While the unique characteristics or differences are inside its own area or sector. There are several types of Venn diagrams, online graphic organizers, with two or more circles as the topic gets complicated.

Tree chart is a good way to classify information and a practical means in breaking down large projects into more manageable tasks. In addition, this can also be used to create a family tree chart for genealogy and organizing family information. The highest position is the main title and below are the categories. Each category has a list of subtopics to complete the tree graphic organizer.

Sequence chart is a type of diagram that helps you to present the steps of a process in order. You may use it for essay writing, life cycle, or any situation that shows the stage of development. While the timeline chart shows dates and order of events, the sequence chart graphic organizer mainly focuses on details about the set of instructions of a process.

If you are looking for an alternative to T chart and Venn diagram, Idea web graphic chart is nice choice. This is also a type of comparison chart between two topics. There will be two central circles that represents the main ideas. Each topic comes with conjoined branches that forms a single unit to indicate similarities. For the differences, there are another set of branches towards the sides of the circles forming an idea web graphic organizer.

Organizing or conducting biography research can be done with the help of a biography chart. With it, you can easily add the necessary information gathered in books, online resources, and analyze the collected information. You can categorize the data about the character’s accomplishments, experiences, personal information, and a lot more. Also, users may add images to this free graphic organizer to give emphasis as necessary.

Another helpful organizer to help you analyze differences and similarities between two topics. Analogy organizer, in general, compares a new topic and a topic you are familiar with. Then, students or listeners must read and discuss with each other to identify the similarities and differences. This free graphic organizer encourages brainstorming and internalizing knowledge. By then, students will need to write a summary of the new topic.

The next chart you can use to organize your ideas is a cluster diagram. It also helps a group of people in brainstorming and exploring ideas. The central node contains the main topic branching out to show relevant categories and subtopics. This also resembles a web graphic organizer as you continue adding layers to the diagram. So it’s best to use color-coding for each category for a readable and comprehensive organizer.

This organizer is dedicated to creating an essay outline focusing on persuasive writing. As we know, writings like speeches, essays, debates need an outline to lay out the flow of the essay and come up with a coherent outline. And to do that, you need a persuasion map free graphic organizer to determine and write down the main points, facts, and categorize ideas.

Problem-solving organizer is a good strategy to improve your problem-solving skills. With it, you get to record ideas in a systematic way and think more effectively of possible solutions. It is also the best way to make everyone in the team participate by sharing ideas and organize them in structure.

Visual representation in learning plays an important role in improving your study habits and learning. This will help your capability to arrange your thoughts and organize them and give an accurate depiction of given situations. Learning through the use of online graphic organizers will bring out great ideas to have your tasks done in no time.

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Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example (w/ Tips for 2024)

You're unmatched when it comes to colors, layouts, and visual storytelling.

You give businesses the creative edge they need to make an impact.

But there’s one creative project you just can’t finish.

Let's face it, when it comes to writing your cover letter, you’re stumped.

You know you’ve got the skills for the job you want, but when it comes to painting a picture of yourself with words, you’re at a loss.

Don't worry! We're here to help you finalize that graphic design job application.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What a Great Graphic Designer Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Graphic Designer Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Graphic Designers

Let's dive in! 

Graphic Design Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Graphic Design Cover Letter

You've got a clear picture of what a great graphic designer cover letter looks like, and now you're all set to write your own .

Just follow these easy steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Your graphic designer cover letter should kick off with your contact information. Just like your resume, this should be placed in the header .

Here's what you should include:

• Full Name. Your first and last names should be at the top of the page.
• Job Title. Make sure that the job title on your graphic designer cover letter matches the exact position you're applying for. The hiring manager is probably hiring for several positions, and specifying which one you’re after is always a great plus.
• Email Address. Opt for a professional and straightforward email address. Avoid using any quirky addresses from your school days. (e.g., [email protected] isn't suitable, but [email protected] is perfect).
• Phone Number. Double-check that your provided phone number is accurate. If you're applying for an international position, include the dialing code in front of your number.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country are sufficient. But if you're looking for a remote job or you’re open to relocation, specify it on your resume and cover letter.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can include links to important websites, such as your relevant social media profiles and your portfolio.

Now, it's time to add the hiring manager's contact information :

• Company Name. Add the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. Find the name of the hiring manager for the specific department you're interested in and write it down.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you discover the hiring manager's name and see that they're the head of the department, use their title instead of "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Include the city and state or country, especially if the company operates globally. You can add their exact street address if they have more than one location in your city.
• Email Address (optional). If available, add the hiring manager's email address.
• Date of Writing (optional). For a professional touch, you can include the date you wrote your cover letter on.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your essential contact information sorted, it's time to personalize your graphic design cover letter by addressing it to the right person—no generic "To Whom It May Concern" here.

Making the effort to address your graphic designer cover letter correctly can make a positive impression on the hiring manager, which is exactly what you want.

Start by doing a bit of research. Dive into the job ad, explore the company's website, or take a peek at their LinkedIn profile to discover who's hiring for the job you're interested in. Find their name and email address, if possible.

Now, let's talk formalities. We suggest using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. However, if you're unsure about their gender or marital status, simply using their full name works perfectly. For example:

• Dear Ms. Johnson
• Dear Jennifer Johnson

In those rare cases where you can't unearth information about the hiring manager or the head of the graphic design department, you can still address your letter thoughtfully:

• Dear Graphic Design Department
• Dear Graphic Design Hiring Team
• Dear Recruitment Team
• Dear Lead Graphic Designer

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically spend just a few seconds glancing at a candidate's application before deciding if they want to read further, and your cover letter makes no exception here.

That’s why knowing how to start your graphic designer cover letter is crucial. Use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself and why you’re writing, expressing your genuine interest in the role. Demonstrating your passion for the design field or the specific job can capture the hiring manager's attention.

Doing some homework on the company is always a great idea. The more you know about the employer, the better you can emphasize how well you'd fit into their work culture or how your values align with their mission. This shows that you're not applying randomly to every job out there—you actually want this position.

You can also start your graphic designer cover letter with an impressive achievement or by highlighting some of your skills that align with the role. Just keep this paragraph short. All you need to do here is spark the hiring manager's curiosity and encourage them to explore your cover letter further.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The point of your graphic designer cover letter is that you get an opportunity to delve into the details that can set you apart as the best candidate for the job.

But this only works if you don’t parrot the same information from your resume . The hiring manager expects your cover letter to tell them something they don’t already know.

So use the body of your cover letter to show off your expertise and qualifications, but make every word count. Your objective is to persuade the hiring manager that you're the ideal fit, and just listing some of your skills or qualifications won’t get you there. Instead, highlight any related achievements within the field of graphic design.

If you’re not sure how don’t worry. Just use the job ad as a reference. The more you tailor your graphic designer cover letter to the exact job description, the better. Emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the employer’s requirements immediately tells the hiring manager that you’ve got what it takes to excel. For example, if you're applying to be a graphic designer in the field of social media marketing, emphasize your industry know-how and familiarity with creating social media content.

Make sure to show off some knowledge about the company, such as its products and services. If you're well-acquainted with them as a customer, don't hesitate to mention it in your cover letter. Your familiarity with their work culture or mission statement can also convey how your values align and signal that you’d be a good fit to join their team.

And make sure to weave your enthusiasm through your entire graphic designer cover letter. Show your genuine excitement for the role and your confidence that you have the necessary skills and experience to make a valuable contribution to the company's success. This can be the final touch that leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

The finishing touch to crafting the perfect graphic designer cover letter is knowing how to end it .

You want to make sure that your conclusion leaves a good impression on the hiring manager and reinforces their confidence in what you have written so far.

Start by confidently summarizing why you're an ideal fit for the graphic designer role and highlighting the standout skills that set you apart from other candidates. Then follow up with a compelling call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as initiating a discussion about your application. This proactive approach can leave a lasting mark and boost your chances of securing an interview.

Finally, sign off on your cover letter professionally. Choose an appropriate signature line and follow it with your full name. Here's an example:

Please feel free to reach out to me via the provided email or phone number to arrange an interview. I'm eager to discuss my application in more detail at your earliest convenience.

Warm regards,

If you find "Warm regards" a bit overused, here are some alternative sign-off options to consider:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for considering my application,

3 Essential Graphic Designer Cover Letter Tips

Now that you've got the fundamentals of cover letters down, it's time to elevate yours with some cover letter tips tailored for graphic designers.

#1. Match Your Resume

Visual appeal makes a real difference.

Your graphic designer cover letter shouldn’t be the one piece of your application that lacks style or creativity, so make sure it matches the rest of your documents.

Create a cover letter design and layout that are in harmony with your resume. Align your text neatly on the page by setting the right margins and adjusting the line spacing. Then match the font styles and be consistent with their size so your cover letter never spills over to page two .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed by the whole process?

No worries! Just try our resume builder . You can create a stellar graphic designer resume and pick one of our cover letter templates to match.

Crafted with input from hiring experts worldwide, each of our templates is designed to meet industry standards while looking stylish. Give them a shot and spare yourself the stress of starting from scratch.

#2. Mention Skills (Properly!)

One of the first things a hiring manager will be looking for in your graphic designer cover letter is what skills you’re bringing to the table.

But don’t just sprinkle in every skill you can think of. You want your graphic designer cover letter to tell a story, and your most important skills should have the starring role.

Start by referencing the job ad. Check out what skills are listed in the requirements and what else their specific industry might be looking for, and focus on the ones you have. Then connect the dots for the hiring manager by talking about how these skills helped you excel as a graphic designer.

This shows your potential employer that you’ve got the exact graphic designer skills they’re looking for and that you’re a perfect fit for the job.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

As a graphic designer, it’s crucial to include a link to your online portfolio in plain view. An easy-to-find portfolio can be what tips the balance for any graphic designer’s application. 

It’s especially important to make sure these useful links are available on your graphic designer cover letter since they can make the hiring manager’s job easier. If they’re reading your cover letter and they’re impressed with the work you mentioned, they’ll naturally want to see it right away.

So why not add a link for convenience instead of having them search for your resume again and risk losing interest along the way? Including a link to your LinkedIn profile also makes it easier for the hiring manager to see your full career history and even reach out directly through the platform.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

Hopefully, after reading our guide, you feel better equipped and ready to chase that graphic designer role you’ve set your sights on.

Before we wrap up, let's revisit some of the essentials:

• Do some research on the company, and start your graphic designer cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find their name, you can address the department or company as a whole.
• Use the body of your graphic designer cover letter to highlight your most relevant achievements and skills. Reference the job ad to make sure that you match what the employer is looking for.
• Visual appeal and consistency between your cover letter and resume can make a difference. If you're looking for a head start, consider using our online resume builder and cover letter templates to save time.
• Make the hiring manager’s job a little easier by including convenient links to your portfolio and relevant social media profiles like LinkedIn. This small step could encourage them to reach out to you faster.

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What is a graphic organizer and how to create one?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Organizing your thoughts and ideas isn't always easy – especially when working with complex topics, piles of information, or collaborative projects.

Use a graphic organizer tool is one of the easiest and most effective ways to organize ideas, list information, and identify trends visually. Using diagrams and visual aids has helped marketers, IT professionals, teachers, and just about anyone to convey complex ideas simply.

In this article, we'll cover the basics of graphic organizers, their types, use cases, and how to make one of your own. Read on to get started.

What is a graphic organizer?

Do you remember the last time you felt inspired and full of ideas? It's an exhilarating feeling, but it can also be overwhelming when trying to organize all the thoughts running wild through your mind.

That's where graphic organizers come in.

These visual tools help harness those complex concepts into a simple visual representation, such as a diagram or graph, that’s easy to understand.

Think of it like a map that connects and organizes your thoughts and ideas in a clear and structured path so that you can see how all the pieces fit together. These tools make it easier to see the big picture and identify connections between concepts that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

In a collaborative environment, using graphic organizers can greatly enhance communication and teamwork. It's easier for team members to align on project goals and contribute their own insights when there's a visual representation of the ideas and information discussed. As a result, teams have constructive discussions that lead to more brilliant ideas.

Also, with digital collaborative workspaces like Miro, you can even use graphic organizers to collaborate remotely. Team members can brainstorm, organize, and work together from anywhere around the world in one shared space.

You can also treat a graphic organizer like a compass that helps you navigate a sea of information. It guides you towards a clearer path using visual aids so that you or your team can make informed decisions and ride a wave of productivity. But with all that said, how exactly can you put one to use?

Suppose a company that produces and sells handmade soap hasn't been doing well in sales in the last quarter. The marketing team needs help to identify the root cause. The project analyst on the team decides to use a graphic organizer to help analyze the problem and creates a diagram with potential causes, such as pricing, quality, and marketing strategy. Each category is then broken down into subcategories with specific details like customer reviews and competitors’ pricing.

Through this process, the analyst noticed key areas that needed improvement. For example, they noticed that the company’s pricing is significantly higher than competitors, and customer reviews mention that the new packaging makes it hard to understand product benefits.

With this information organized and visually presented, the analyst can present clear, data-driven information to the marketing team to improve sales. The team can then address these issues and track the changes made using the same graphic organizer.

Now that you’ve seen a practical example of applying one, we’ll explore ten types of graphic organizers used in various personal and professional situations.

10 types of graphic organizers

Take a look at how these graphic organizers can help you organize information, analyze problems, and spark new ideas.

1. Venn diagram

A Venn diagram is a popular graphic organizer that compares and contrasts different topics or datasets using interlocking circles. It shows the similarities and differences between these topics so you can better understand their relationships and connections. The overlapping area in the middle of the circles indicates the similarities, while the separate circles highlight the differences between each.

Use a triple Venn diagram template to compare three different subjects.

2. Tree chart

Like its name, a tree chart is a graphic organizer that shows information in the structure of a tree, with the main topic at the top of the chart and subtopics branching off it. These charts are especially useful for organizing information in a hierarchical structure. For example, when breaking down a group project into smaller manageable items to delegate to the team.

Use a tree chart maker to track objectives and results with a hierarchical structure.

3. Cause and effect chart

You can easily see the connections between actions and results with a cause and effect chart. It’s a powerful tool for analyzing complex issues and identifying possible solutions. Breaking down complicated cause-and-effect relationships into bite-sized chunks helps you better understand how different factors interact and how to achieve your goals more accurately and precisely.

Pinpoint areas of improvement with a cause and effect chart .

4. Compare and contrast graph

Like a Venn diagram, a compare and contrast graph compares two or more things but in a more detailed and structured way. Instead of overlapping circles, you'll see tables or lists placed side by side to highlight the differences and similarities between the topics. This structure helps you quickly see how the topics relate to each other and identify key attributes from each topic.

Analyze prospective jobs with a compare and contrast graph .

5. Story map

A story map, also known as a plot diagram , is a convenient tool for analyzing and understanding the elements of a story, including the plot, setting, characters, and themes. It includes a visual representation of a story’s arc, such as the introduction, climax, and resolution. This graphic organizer is a favorite of educators to help students unravel complex stories. Marketers also use this to craft compelling presentations or proposals that tell a story to engage their audience.

Stay focused on a writing project by story mapping it effortless.

7. Sequence of events chart

If you need to get a clear sense of the chronological order of an event or process, a sequence of events chart is your best bet. By dividing an event into key moments that follow a sequential order, this graphic organizer makes it easy to understand what happened and when. Though often used in educational settings, project managers or event planners rely on it to determine the sequence of activities for their projects or events.

Clarify event logistics using a sequence chart .

8. Star diagram

A star diagram highlights key concepts by organizing related information around a central topic. It’s perfect for scenarios where you need to define a specific topic with detailed descriptions. For example, marketing teams can use this graphic organizer to define key selling features of a new product so they know what to promote. It’s also good for goal setting, with a goal in the center and actionable items in the arms of the star.

Define your problem in detail with a star diagram .

9. Circle map

A circle map is an effective visual tool for brainstorming and organizing ideas. A small circle inside a larger one allows for free-flowing thoughts to be connected to the central idea. Another variation is a concept map , with a main idea in the center and related information or subtopics surrounding it. This graphic organizer is your go-to for generating ideas, solving problems, and making connections between different concepts.

Boost creativity and generate ideas using a concept map maker .

10. Problem-solving chart

You can tackle complex and multi-layered issues with a problem-solving chart. A 5 Whys framework is a popular type of problem-solving chart. It's popular in business settings because it encourages critical and logical thinking and helps evaluate different options to choose the best solution. By dissecting a problem into smaller facets, it becomes easier to identify the root cause and possible solutions.

Get to the bottom of your problem with a 5 Whys problem solving chart .

Use cases for a graphic organizer

Look no further if you're wondering how these graphic organizers can be applied to your life or work. This section will explore how different people and professions can use graphic organizers to achieve their goals.

Marketing and Sales

The world of marketing and sales can be chaotic and overwhelming, but graphic organizers are a valuable tool for keeping things organized and on track. They also promote collaboration by letting teams share visuals and content in one place, making it convenient to view the big picture and expand on new ideas. A story map can help tell a compelling narrative about a product, while a star diagram can help identify and target specific audiences. Marketing and sales teams can stay creative, coordinated, and focused on achieving their goals.

IT and Technology

IT and Technology professionals have a lot of brainpower to share, and that's where graphic organizers shine. In an industry where data is everything, graphic organizers allow experts to visualize network topologies and other architecture quickly, saving time and improving communication with colleagues. They also make sharing concepts a breeze by finding the links between seemingly unrelated objects and ideas. Cause-and-effect charts and entity relationship diagrams are commonly used in the industry to identify the relationships between different events or actions that affect the performance of systems and networks.

Troubleshoot systems and databases using an ER diagram tool .

Business Administration

For a business administrator, the daunting task of managing the departmental structure and changes can be simplified with graphic organizers. Organizational charts, flowcharts, and other visual aids help communicate complex information to staff members. These tools optimize business operations, create more efficient teams, and foster collaboration between management and teams. By streamlining work processes with graphic organizers, departments can save time and resources so the company can run like a well-oiled machine.

Art and Design

As a creator, designer, or artist, it can be challenging to stay inspired, especially during a creative rut. A graphic organizer can break through creative barriers by quickly mapping out ideas, giving creative individuals more space to explore and refine them. Adding a graphic organizer to the creative process leads to more productive, fulfilling, and even out-of-the-box work as the artistic vision takes shape.

When it comes to teaching, graphic organizers are a game-changer. Not only do they help educators and students visually break down complex subjects, but they also promote engagement and collaboration in the classroom. By learning to organize their thoughts visually, students can more intuitively connect ideas, identify relationships, and give their own insights. This creates a more interactive learning environment that builds better comprehension, retention, and critical thinking skills. Whether it's a Venn diagram to compare and contrast, a timeline to sequence events, or a circle map to generate ideas, the possibilities for using graphic organizers in the classroom are endless.

How to make a graphic organizer

Now the question is, how to make a graphic organizer that works for you? Don’t worry - it's simpler than you think. You can create an effective tool for everything you need in just a few steps.

1. Decide what you want to organize

The first step in creating a graphic organizer is simple – decide what you want to organize. This could be anything from project tasks to brainstorming ideas. Before you begin, take a moment to identify the main ideas or concepts you want to capture and categorize. Clarify your goals and objectives to ensure your graphic organizer will be tailored to your needs.

2. Choose a type of graphic organizer

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to organize, it’s time to choose a graphic organizer. Everyone has a unique way of processing information, so a good tip is to find one that aligns with your thoughts. For example, if you prefer to approach tasks step-by-step, a sequence of events graphic organizer is a good fit. If you enjoy seeing the big picture, a circle map will work wonders. The ultimate goal is to find an organizer that complements your thinking process to achieve your purpose.

3. Set up a collaborative workspace

Set up a collaborative workspace to take your productivity to the next level. A collaborative workspace is a shared virtual or physical space where people can work together on a task or project. Online visual collaboration spaces, including popular options like Miro , let you use graphic organizers and other tools to share ideas, organize information, and work more efficiently with others wherever you are.

4. Brainstorm and collaborate

With a collaborative workspace, you can start brainstorming and working with others. A great way to add more depth to your graphic organizer is to generate a range of ideas related to your topic, so you can understand different perspectives or identify blindspots. Collaborating with others and pooling your ideas together further helps you create a detailed graphic organizer that reflects all the key ideas related to your topic.

5. Regularly review and revise

Review and revise your graphic organizer regularly to ensure it's still working for you. Stumbling upon new ideas and information while working on your project is natural, so update them as needed. Set aside time each week to go through your organizer to make any necessary changes so you stay on track and meet your goals. Plus, it's a great way to see your progress and feel motivated to keep going.

Build graphic organizers collaboratively with Miro

In this article, we explored how using graphic organizers helps you visually convey complex ideas, present information, dissect problems, and find solutions. With Miro, our collaborative online workspace, you can collaborate and create graphic organizers with others using tools like digital whiteboards and template libraries. We’re designed for professionals, educators, students, and anyone looking to spice up their workflow. Try Miro today to see how we transform the way you work.

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Graphic Design cover letter example

Why do you need a graphic design cover letter?

Tone of voice, a picture of graphic designers — role and job outlook.

If you’ve ever marveled at a striking illustration on a magazine cover, been amused by sleek animations on a website (or for the old school PC users among us — been annoyed by a bouncing paperclip in a Word document), you have a graphic designer to thank. Tightening job competition in this field means an exceptional graphic design cover letter is essential for even the most talented creative professionals to gain an edge.

At Resume.io, weare specialists in all aspects of resume and cover letter design and content. Our resources include an extensive collection of occupation-specific writing guides with corresponding cover letter examples. 

This guide for graphic designers will take you step by step through the process of writing a persuasive cover letter as part of your job hunt. Also known as an application letter, this letter is your personal introduction to the people who have the power to hire you for the graphic design job you want. Don’t underestimate its importance!

Here’s what we will discuss in this writing guide, backed by a graphic designer cover letter example:

• An overview of what graphic designers do and the job outlook
• Why a cover letter is a crucial component of a job application
• How to structure your graphic designer cover letter
• How to optimize the impact of each cover letter section: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• How your letter can trigger both an emotional and a rational response
• Some of the common mistakes that make a cover letter fail.

Best format for a graphic design cover letter

Most cover letters should follow the same basic structure:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting/salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

For detailed advice on each of these, take a look at our comprehensive expert guide on how to write a cover letter. 

Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.

Read on for more tips on optimizing the impact of each cover letter section.

If you’ve ever worked in sales or retail jobs, you know the importance of making a sweeping pitch, a personal appeal and an irresistible offer — all within the space of a few seconds. The cover letter is basically this pitch in writing. 

There’s a story about a handyman who went door-to-door looking for odd jobs, saying he was down on his luck but had a lot of skills and was willing to work hard for low wages. One homeowner asked him, “Could you paint my porch out back for $50?” The handyman said of course he could, and the man gave him two buckets of green paint and a brush. Two hours later the handyman knocked on the door again to say he was all done. “But I’ve got news for you,” he said. “That’s not a Porsche, that’s a Ferrari.”

For our purposes (humor aside), the point is that the handyman’s pitch worked. Look at the elements of his strategy: a personal approach, an emotional appeal and a demonstration of his value. That’s basically what you need in a cover letter — it’s an “elevator pitch” in writing.

So what should a graphic design cover letter include?

The purpose of the cover letter is to open a conversation with potential employers about the value you could bring to their company. Of course you will have a portfolio to wow them with your graphic design work, and you’ll have a well-constructed resume — but the cover letter is your personal entrée to your target. It’s also an invaluable tool to compensate for any irregularities or discrepancies in your professional journey. The resume is a structured document with bullet points and short facts. The cover letter allows you to explain yourself as a personality.

A cover letter should be one page only, the length should be 200 to 400 words, and you need to make every one of them count. You are not just introducing yourself but also highlighting your graphic design experiences, skills and qualifications. And you’re seeking to trigger a personal and emotional response.

The failure to include a cover letter was cited by 10% of hiring managers surveyed as one of the top deal breakers for job applicants, according to a recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll for CareerBuilder. While 10% may not seem like much, it’s often the difference you need to beat the competition (who may have submitted resumes similar to yours, but with no cover letter in sight).

Always include a cover letter unless you are specifically asked not to. While a resume should list all the job experience, education and skills that make you a great candidate, it doesn’t give you an opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager. The cover letter does, and that’s why it’s so crucial.

For more ideas and inspiration, check out these other relevant cover letter writing guides and examples. 

• Software Engineer cover letter sample
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• Software Developer cover letter sample
• Google cover letter sample
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• IT Manager cover letter sample
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• Apple cover letter sample
• Computer Science cover letter sample
• Scrum Master cover letter sample
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• Cyber Security cover letter sample
• DevOps Engineer cover letter sample
• IT Director cover letter sample
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• UX Designer cover letter sample
• IT Technician cover letter sample

Cover letter header

Also known as a letterhead, the cover letter header lists your name, phone number, email address and often your snail-mail address as well. Your name should generally be the largest element on the page, and it’s usually placed top and center. This shows your confidence in yourself and helps employers remember you.

If you’re sending your cover letter by email, don’t make the mistake of thinking that your contact information is unimportant because the recipient simply needs to hit “Reply.” Your email may be printed or forwarded to a larger team, and your contact info may end up being hard to find. The last thing you want to do is make it difficult for the employer to figure out how to reach you.

In addition to sharing critical contact info, the header should be attractively designed and incorporate ample white space to break up the paragraphs of text that follow. As a graphic designer, you are undoubtedly familiar with the importance of well-spaced text that’s easy on the eyes. Your header should reflect your skills in the display of text — though it should never be gimmicky or over-decorated. 

Align document styles

Because you’re a graphic designer, we don’t really have to tell you the importance of consistency. Your cover letter and your resume should use the same fonts, font sizes and formatting styles, giving them a similar look and feel. This shows that you’re well organized, you pay attention to detail and you’ve deliberately chosen an attractive style and design — your own visual brand. It should be easy to figure out at a glance that your resume and cover letter came from the same person.

Goal of the cover letter header: Stand out from scores of other job candidates with a distinctive-looking header that showcases your graphic design abilities, while identifying who you are and how recruiters can reach you.

Cover letter greeting

The greeting, also known as the salutation, is the “Dear. Mr. Xxxxxxx:” that opens your letter. It’s almost always preferable to use a real person’s name here. It demonstrates that this is not a mass-mailed cover letter, but that you’re actually addressing an individual. 

Also, people like to read their own name. And they are more likely to reply to a letter addressed personally to them than a letter addressed to an entire company, or a department within the company. If the hiring manager is not named in the job listing, sometimes it’s worth calling the company to ask for the name of the appropriate person to address. 

In some cases, employers try to obscure the name of the person who makes hiring decisions. If that’s the case, respect their wishes and don’t go to extraordinary lengths to track down the name of a person who doesn’t want to be named.

Dear Ms. Phipps,

Cover letter introduction

One of the commonest (and laziest) ways to open a cover letter is by saying, “I am writing to express my interest in….” But “I am writing” is a phrase that should be eradicated from all cover letters — your recipients already know you are writing, so tell them something they don’t know.

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Make a direct personal connection with the hiring manager in a friendly, professional manner.

The introduction should usually be one provocative sentence that both identifies the job you’re seeking and offers a glimpse at your experience and qualifications to fill it. Here is a concise example:

In a world where attention is at a premium, award-winning graphics and show-stopping visuals are key to making customers stop and pay attention to the actual message. My 12 years of experience as a graphic designer have seen customers move onto social media and apps where, if they are not captivated, the swipe of a screen makes it so easy to move on.

Cover letter middle part (body)

You’ve introduced yourself, you have your target’s attention, and now you deliver the meat of your letter — the evidence that you are a great candidate for the job. 

The central two paragraphs of your letter should highlight your experience, skills and previous accomplishments in the field. It should be as specific as possible, ideally with statistics to back up your claims. Consider the "STAR" method — s ituation, t ask, a ction and r esult — for describing challenges you’ve faced in the past, the actions you took to address them and the positive results you achieved.

Cover letters are expected to be a bit boastful, without crossing a line into arrogance. But remember that this letter is not about why you deserve a job — it’s about how you can help the employer solve its problems. 

Use strong action verbs, and where possible use facts and figures — for example, how many magazine covers you designed, how many illustrated web designs you created, or the dollar value of the advertising campaigns for which you managed the design. 

Goal of the cover letter body: Build the reader’s confidence in your abilities as an accomplished graphic designer.

Design036 is the top place in town for consumer advertising. Your leading consumer and hospitality clients need to bring their brands to life with arresting visual design, and you need a graphic designer who can translate your creative concepts into graphic reality. I have worked for your national competitors for many years, but after my move to Boston, I want to make your clients swoon with the power and simplicity of my work. 

I have a BA in Graphic Design and am proficient in all major design, web, wireframe, and multimedia software. Working on 120+ graphic design projects every year has led to a deep understanding of how exactly to get my clients’ messages across. 

Teasing out the best ideas early in the process leads to competitor-crushing success along the line. I hope you will agree that my achievements illustrate this:

• Designed the UX and GUI of a hospitality website, resulting in winning a national advertising award.
• Redesigned the packaging of a baking brand, resulting in a year-on-year sales increase of +75%.
• Revamped social media visuals for a travel business resulting in +160% engagement.
• Produced a playbook for all clients about graphics in search engine marketing led to +21% incremental business.
• Created style sheets and selected typography which were adopted across 60 clients via my previous employer.

How to close a graphic design cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

This is your call to action, suggesting that this letter should not be put aside and forgotten, but that some action should be taken as a result.

You may want to ask if you could give the hiring manager a call next week, letting him or her know that you mean business. Or you may want to say that you’d be happy to schedule an interview, or at the very least that you’re looking forward to a response. 

Keep this paragraph short, but make your correspondent feel that he or she should take some action as a result of this letter. Exude confidence and determination, though without sounding demanding or entitled. In other words, you are asking for a graphic design job, not demanding one, but it’s obvious from your confidence that you believe you are an exceptional candidate.

Aim of the cover letter closing: End with a call to action that encourages the reader not to set aside and forget about your cover letter.

I would love to discuss at an interview how my omnichannel visuals have transformed the fortunes of my past clients. I feel confident that I can do the same for your customers.

Theodore Martin

The psychology of writing a graphic design cover letter

Psychologists say the human brain operates with a mix of rational and emotional responses, and there’s an art to triggering both of these with a simple letter. Emotional responses tend to be quick, unconscious and automatic, but they are powerful because they touch us where we feel, in our hearts more than our heads. But rational responses tend to be slower, more logical and calculating, and you need your target to engage in that kind of deliberation in order to consider hiring you.

Here’s an example of writing that appeals to emotion: I am a passionate believer in the power of graphic art to compel people to read print. I always think of readers as my primary clients, and I do everything in my power to connect with them on a personal and emotional level.

And here’s an example of writing that appeals to reason: For three years, I spearheaded all aspects of graphic design for more than 200 ad campaigns with a total value to our firm of close to $8 million.

Learn to appeal to both emotion and reason, and your letter will have more impact — and be more memorable.

Study your target. Learn everything you can about the company you want to work for — what it does, what it doesn’t do, what it needs to do better. What kind of corporate culture does it have? How does it talk to its customers?

Study the company’s website and social media posts to understand the kind of language it uses and the image it projects. Then address the company in the language and style that it commonly uses.

Graphic design cover letter with no experience

Never fear if you have no experience: Your graphic design portfolio will speak to your talent. Use your cover letter to promote the caliber of your work, and then include a resume link to your portfolio.

Even if you have not held a graphic design job — or any job for that matter — you have skills that make you a great candidate. Play up your graphic design influences and why you gravitate toward graphic art. You also have a host of soft skills, such as attention to detail and the time management finesse that enables you to always meet deadlines. As a graphic designer, you must be able to listen carefully to what clients want and communicate your ideas well. If you don’t have experience in a graphic design job, use examples of these skills to apply to reason in your cover letter.

Graphic designers make our world more visual. Also known as graphic artists, they are versatile, creative individuals specializing in illustration, photo editing, layout, design and typography. Text is always more interesting to read when it’s presented in a typographically interesting way and accompanied by eye-catching images. When you walk into a McDonald’s, the menu on the wall is not a black and white list of the hamburgers for sale — it’s a visual explosion of color, photography and design. There’s a graphic designer behind that.

Company logos are also crucial to corporate branding, none more famous than the Nike “Swoosh,” which is said to be worth $26 billion. It was created in 1971 by a graphic design student from Portland State University named Carolyn Davidson. She was working with the founders of a shoe company that wanted to compete with Adidas and asked for some kind of stripe that conveyed the idea of motion. Today it’s among the most iconic logos in the world. Genius in its simplicity, unparalleled in its laconic visual power.

Graphic designers tend to gravitate toward advertising, public relations, online and print publishing to fulfill the vital need in all these fields for attractive graphic design.

As of 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 270,900 professionals holding positions as a graphic designer. These were their largest employment sectors:

• Self-employed 19%
• Specialized design services 9%
• Advertising, public relations and related services 9%
• Printing and related support activities 6%
• Newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers 6%

The need for graphic designers is expected to grow by only 3% between 2020 and 2030 slower than the overall job market average. This means there will be a limited number of jobs and more people competing for them, and it underscores the need for an outstanding resume and graphic design cover letter.

Basic mistakes in a graphic design cover letter (and how to avoid them)

Here are some pitfalls to avoid in your quest to write a great graphic designer cover letter.

• Don’t make any English mistakes. Your writing must be impeccable and error-free. Surveys of hiring managers have found that spelling and grammar mistakes on resumes are the most common deal-killers in the job-application process. If your English skills are not outstanding, find an editor to proofread your cover letter draft.
• Beware of formatting errors and unusual fonts. Remember that a document you create using the software of your choice on your Mac may look totally different on your recipient’s PC when it opens in a different version of the same software, or even a totally different application.
• Don’t crowd the page. You are an expert in visual design, and your letter needs to reflect that with an appropriate amount of white space and an eye-pleasing distribution of the elements on the page. Do not crowd it with big blocks of wall-to-wall black text.
• Avoid word bloat and clichés. Keep your language sharp and focused, never lazy, hackneyed or dull. Look up some resume clichés (like “team player” and “self-starter”) and steer clear of them. Use striking and original language, and keep it short.

You won’t go wrong if you use the field-tested templates and professional guidance at Resume.io. Not only do these templates sidestep formatting traps and bad fonts, but they offer a clean, eye-pleasing design that has been proven to work. Get started by choosing a cover letter template.

Key takeaways

• Graphic design employment is expected to rise by only 3% between 2020 and 2030, slower than the overall job market average, creating a limited number of jobs for a growing pool of applicants.
• The best graphic design jobs will go to those who make the best pitch with an impressive portfolio, a well-built resume and a carefully crafted cover letter.
• This cover letter is your personal introduction to the hiring manager, an “elevator pitch” in writing that makes your case for employment by this company.
• This letter is a personal appeal, and it should seek to trigger both rational and emotional responses in the reader.
• Follow the proper structure for your cover letter — header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion — and hold it to one page containing 300 to 400 words.
• Adopt an appropriate tone, and avoid spelling and grammar mistakes, clichés, formatting errors and splashy packaging.

Free professionally designed templates

• Our Mission

Using Graphic Organizers Correctly

It’s much more important for a student to practice writing — the only way to build writing fluency — than to fill in a graphic organizer completely or perfectly.

What is a graphic organizer? A graphic organizer is a visual display or chart that shows the relationship between ideas, facts, and information. 

It can allow a third-grade student, for example, to chart out chronologically a summer vacation by writing specific information in each box in a connected series. Another graphic organizer might have three columns and require a seventh-grade student in a world history class to list the causes of WWII. Those causes are listed in the far left column, then, the middle column asks for effects, while the far right column requires the student to write in evidence or a source to accompany each cause and related effect.

A Pre-Writing Tool

Teachers carefully select a graphic organizer after deciding what type of writing they want their students to engage in -- narrative, argumentative, or informational. They then select specific skills for development in that type of writing. In a narrative writing assignment, does the teacher wish the child to develop sequential writing, or perhaps the focus will be on description and details? Determining this will help a teacher select the appropriate graphic organizer.

The ultimate purpose of utilizing a graphic organizer as a tool is to prepare students for writing. Simply put, a graphic organizer assists a student with thinking and is a pre-writing tool --  not the end product. Some young writers may need this thinking tool more than others. That said, a writer in your classroom might want to skip using a graphic organizer and be ready to dive into the writing. Let her.

Teachers need to remember they are not developing charters of information, but they are developing writers . The only way to build fluency in writing is to write.

Improve Writing by Writing

As I’ve seen in my many classroom observations, we teachers can get caught up with treating the graphic organizer as The Assignment , especially with struggling students. At some point, with learners who are struggling, we need to stop encouraging them to finish filling in those boxes or columns on the graphic organizer and move into what matters: the writing.

It’s much more important for a student to practice writing -- the only way to build writing fluency -- and stumble through stringing thoughts together this way than to fill in a graphic organizer completely or perfectly.

Lastly, grade only the writing and not the graphic organizer. This will help keep the focus where it really matters: on our students as writers.

What are your experiences with using graphic organizers in your classroom? What suggestions or tips can you offer, especially for novice teachers? Please share in the comments section below.

How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (3 Examples)

By Ammar Ahmed

Published: January 22, 2024

Cover Letters

Ammar Ahmed

Writer & Career Coach

Ready to design the perfect Graphic Designer cover letter? This guide is your creative toolkit, filled with tips and tricks to help you sketch out a cover letter that will make potential employers stop and stare, ensuring you’re not just another application in the pile, but the one they remember.  

Creating a Winning Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Every application you send out shouldn’t just be a repetition of previous ones. Tailoring each cover letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for can dramatically increase your chances of standing out. Here are the vital steps you should consider when crafting your Graphic Designer cover letter.

Researching the Company and Position

Before diving into writing, it’s paramount to do your homework about the company and the specific Graphic Designer role they’re hiring for. Companies appreciate applicants who’ve taken the time to understand their mission and values. By aligning your cover letter with these, you not only showcase your dedication but also highlight your potential fit within their team.

• Aligning with Company Values and Goals: This goes beyond a cursory glance at their mission statement. Dive deep into the company’s portfolio, campaigns, and any significant milestones. Understand their design ethos. Do they favor minimalist designs or vibrant graphics? By showing that you’re in tune with their core values, you cement your position as a potential asset.
• Understanding the Specific Graphic Designer Role: Are they seeking a UI/UX designer, an illustrator, or perhaps a brand strategist? By tailoring your cover letter to the precise role, you underline your expertise in that domain, setting you apart from general applicants. Highlight relevant projects or achievements that make you the best fit for the role.

Structuring Your Cover Letter

While content is the heart of your Graphic Designer cover letter, structure is its backbone. A well-structured cover letter ensures that your key points are effectively communicated, making it easy for hiring managers to spot your potential.

Let’s break down the key components of writing a job-winning cover letter and how you can tailor them for a graphic design position.

• Heading and Salutation: Start with your contact information at the top: name, address, phone number, and professional email. If you have an online portfolio, this is a great place to include the link. Directly beneath, address the hiring manager by name if possible. A quick LinkedIn search can help with this. 
• Opening Paragraph – Grabbing Attention: This is your elevator pitch . Instead of the standard “I’m applying for X position”, delve into a brief story or achievement that encapsulates your passion for graphic design. Perhaps it’s the moment you realized the power of design in storytelling or a significant design award you received.
• Middle Paragraph(s) – Showcasing Your Skills and Experience: This is where you highlight your relevant experiences. As a Graphic Designer, it’s essential to mention specific projects you’ve worked on, design tools you excel in, or brands you’ve elevated with your designs. Use quantifiable metrics if possible. For instance, “Revamped a client’s website leading to a 20% increase in user engagement.”
• Closing Paragraph – Expressing Enthusiasm and Call to Action : Reiterate your interest in the role and the company. Highlight how your design philosophy aligns with theirs. End with a proactive statement, like “I’d love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your upcoming design projects” or “I’m eager to showcase how my design skills can further your brand’s vision.”
• Signature and Contact Information: Sign off professionally with “Sincerely” or “Best regards”, followed by your name. Beneath that, include your phone number and email again for easy reference. As a Graphic Designer, it’s a good touch to ensure this section, especially your name, is in a font or style that is reflective of your design sensibilities without being overly ornate. Remember, simplicity often speaks volumes.

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience

For Graphic Designers, it’s not just about stating your skills—it’s about narrating the story of how those skills have been put to work and have delivered results.

Here’s a closer look at how to highlight some essential skills and experiences uniquely tailored to the graphic design profession:

• Creativity & Ideation: At the heart of every graphic design project lies creativity. Mention specific instances where your original ideas transformed a project. Maybe you conceptualized a brand’s logo that’s now recognizable everywhere or devised an innovative design strategy that steered a campaign’s success. Showcase how your ideation process sets you apart from the crowd.
• Graphic Design: While this seems obvious for the profession, delving into specifics is key. Did you specialize in typography, layouts, or branding? Talk about design projects you’ve led or contributed to and the impact they made. For instance, “I spearheaded the rebranding of XYZ company, which led to a 30% increase in their brand visibility.”
• Communication: As a Graphic Designer, you’re often the bridge between a client’s vision and the final product. Highlight moments where your communication skills ensured that the client’s requirements were met and translated into design. Maybe you’ve facilitated workshops or led client meetings to align visions, or perhaps you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring every stakeholder’s input was visually represented.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Most design jobs will expect proficiency in tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. But instead of just stating you know them, delve deeper. Discuss a challenging project where your expertise in these tools was vital. For example, “Utilizing advanced features in Illustrator, I was able to craft intricate design elements for a client’s product packaging, which received industry acclaim.”

Remember, every skill or experience you highlight should have a story or a tangible result attached. It paints a picture not just of what you can do, but of what you’ve achieved and can bring to the table.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

In the realm of graphic design, where uniqueness and creativity are treasured, sending a generic cover letter can quickly lead to missed opportunities. Tailoring your cover letter for each application can give you a distinct edge over the competition.

Let’s dive into how you can effectively customize your letter for that dream graphic design position:

• Addressing the Hiring Manager: Personalization starts right at the greeting. Instead of a generic “To whom it may concern,” do a little research. Look up the company on LinkedIn or their website to find the name of the hiring manager or the head of the design department. Addressing them directly, such as “Dear Ms. Thompson,” immediately establishes a personal connection and shows your keen interest in the role.
• Matching Job Description Keywords: Employers often look for specific keywords that align with their needs. When tailoring your cover letter, integrate terms and phrases used in the job description. For a Graphic Designer role, some keywords might include “UX/UI design,” “branding,” “vector illustration,” “multimedia campaigns,” or “digital design solutions.” If the job description mentions a need for someone skilled in “responsive web design,” and you have that experience, ensure it’s prominently featured in your letter.
• Demonstrating Cultural Fit: Companies don’t just hire skills; they hire individuals who’ll thrive in their environment. Research the company’s culture—be it through their social media , website, or company reviews. Are they innovative and fast-paced, or do they value a methodical, detail-oriented approach? Maybe they have a strong focus on community service or prioritize sustainability in their projects. Mention past experiences or values that resonate with the company’s culture, like working on eco-friendly design projects or participating in collaborative design-a-thons.

Remember, a tailored cover letter isn’t about fitting what you think the company wants. It’s about genuinely showcasing how your unique skills, experiences, and values align with their needs and culture. This authenticity will make your application shine amidst a sea of generic submissions.

Providing Evidence of Your Accomplishments

In the world of graphic design, the adage “show, don’t tell” couldn’t be more relevant. While it’s essential to list your skills and experiences, it’s equally important to provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments. Demonstrating your successes with tangible examples not only lends credibility to your claims but also paints a vivid picture of what you can bring to a new role.

• Quantifiable Achievements: Numbers have a unique way of catching attention and validating your contributions. As a Graphic Designer, here are some ways you can quantify your impact:

“Redesigned a client’s website, leading to a 40% increase in user engagement within the first month.” OR “Collaborated on a marketing campaign that saw a 25% rise in product sales, largely attributed to the graphic elements I introduced.” OR “Led a team that reduced design production times by 15% through the implementation of new software tools.”

• Relevant Projects and Outcomes: Specific projects provide a narrative to your experiences and the value you offer. For a Graphic Designer, it’s all about the visual impact and the story behind the design:

“Conceptualized and executed the branding for XYZ Startup, which has since become a recognizable logo in the tech industry.” OR “Managed the graphic elements of a national advertising campaign for ABC Company, which was nominated for a design award.” OR “Curated the visuals for a major exhibition at the DEF Museum, attracting over 10,000 visitors in its opening week.”

When detailing your accomplishments, focus on the impact and the problem-solving aspect of your work. Employers want to see not just what you did, but how you made a difference and the results that stemmed from your efforts. By providing tangible evidence, you give potential employers a glimpse into your potential contributions to their team.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Navigating the path to a stellar Graphic Designer Cover Letter involves not only emphasizing your strengths but also steering clear of pitfalls that can detract from your application.

Here are some common mistakes Graphic Designers make in their cover letters and how you can prudently sidestep them:

• Generic and lengthy cover letters: While it’s tempting to have a one-size-fits-all letter, hiring managers can spot these a mile away. Tailor your letter to each company and position. And remember, in the fast-paced world of design, brevity is your friend. A concise, impactful letter often leaves a stronger impression than a lengthy monologue.
• Overdesigning the cover letter: Graphic Designers naturally want their documents to look aesthetically appealing. However, there’s a thin line between a polished design and an overdesigned document that distracts from the content. Use simple layouts, consistent fonts, and a touch of color if necessary. Ensure the design complements the content rather than overshadowing it.
• Using overcomplicating language: While it’s crucial to come across as professional, inundating your letter with industry jargon or overly complex language can be off-putting. Aim for clarity and simplicity. Instead of saying, “I utilized a plethora of techniques to enhance the brand’s visual representation,” opt for “I used various design techniques to elevate the brand’s image.”
• Focusing on yourself only and not the company: Yes, your cover letter is about showcasing your skills and experiences, but it’s also about illustrating how you can be a valuable asset to the company. Ensure you weave in how your expertise aligns with the company’s goals, values, and needs. Instead of merely stating you’re proficient in “Adobe Creative Suite,” mention how this proficiency can aid in their upcoming rebranding project or align with their innovative design ethos.

Dodging these pitfalls will help ensure your cover letter stands out for all the right reasons and resonates with potential employers in the graphic design arena.

Related Article: Looking to increase your income as a Graphic Designer? Check out these 10 lucrative side hustles for Graphic Designers .

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples

It can be difficult to navigate the nuances of a graphic design application. While we have discussed the elements to include and mistakes to avoid, sometimes seeing is believing. By looking at real-world examples tailored to the profession, you can gain a clearer understanding of what a compelling Graphic Designer Cover Letter looks like.

Let these examples serve as a blueprint for crafting your own standout letter.

Entry Level Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Crafting an entry-level cover letter is all about emphasizing potential, passion, foundational skills, and any relevant academic or extracurricular experiences.

Here’s a cover letter tailored for an Entry-Level Graphic Designer position:

Anna Smith 15 Creative Avenue Boston, MA 02118 [email protected] (123) 456-7890

October 25, 2023

Ms. Jane Thompson Creative Director Innovative Designs Inc. 45 Innovation Way Boston, MA 02119

Dear Ms. Thompson,

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from Boston University, I was elated to find an entry-level Graphic Designer position available at Innovative Designs Inc. Having avidly followed your organization’s work during my studies, I’ve always been inspired by your commitment to innovative and impactful design. I am eager to translate my academic knowledge and passion for design into practical contributions as a member of your team.

While my professional experience is just beginning, I’ve had the privilege to intern at Local Design Studio during my senior year. Here, I assisted senior designers in creating digital assets for various local businesses. This hands-on experience, coupled with my proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, reinforced my foundational design skills.

Your “Urban Renewal” campaign truly resonated with me. In fact, as part of my final year project, I embarked on a similar theme, focusing on the intersection of urban landscapes and sustainable design. This project was not only well-received by my professors but also sparked vibrant discussions within the university community.

I am excited about the prospect of being part of Innovative Designs Inc. While I come to you at the onset of my career, I bring an unbridled enthusiasm for design, a strong foundation in the tools of our trade, and a hunger to learn, evolve, and contribute.

Thank you for considering my application. I am keen to discuss how my background and aspirations can align with the goals of Innovative Designs.

Kind regards,

Related Article: Sending a cover letter is not always necessary. Check out our guide to learn more about when you should send a cover letter .

Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Crafting the perfect cover letter for a graphic design position requires a blend of showcasing your technical skills and capturing your creative essence.

Here’s a glimpse of how you can eloquently weave these elements together to leave a lasting impression on your potential employer:

Jos Buttler 27 Artistry Lane Boston, MA 02118 [email protected] (123) 456-7890

Ms. Jane Thompson Design Department Head Innovative Designs Inc. 45 Innovation Way Boston, MA 02119

The first time I came across Innovative Designs Inc.’s portfolio, it was a testament to the perfect blend of creativity and strategy in design. As a Graphic Designer with over five years of experience in branding and digital realms, your recent job announcement instantly resonated with my professional aspirations and personal design ethos.

At my recent position with Creative Corp, I championed a rebranding initiative that elevated our client engagement metrics by 40%. This success was partly due to my adeptness with the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and InDesign, and partly because I deeply delved into understanding the ethos and preferences of our target audience.

Your “Eco-friendly Living” campaign particularly caught my eye. Not only was it visually striking, but the underlying message was powerful. Similarly, in my tenure with Green Designs Ltd., I led a digital campaign promoting sustainable lifestyles, which resulted in a notable 25% increase in product sales. It strengthened my belief in the potent combination of design with purpose.

Joining a forward-thinking company like Innovative Designs Inc., known for pushing the boundaries of design, is an exciting prospect. I am keen to contribute to and learn from the trailblazing work your team produces. I look forward to potentially discussing how my experience and design philosophy align with the ethos and goals of Innovative Designs.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Warm regards,

Jos Buttler

Senior Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Here’s a cover letter tailored for a Senior Graphic Designer position, highlighting deeper expertise, leadership qualities, and a more refined understanding of the graphic design industry:

David Warner 27 Artistry Lane Boston, MA 02118 [email protected] (123) 456-7890

Having closely followed Innovative Designs Inc.’s trajectory over the years, I’ve consistently been impressed by the audacious creativity and design innovations your team champions. As a Graphic Designer with a decade of in-depth experience, the opportunity to contribute as a Senior Graphic Designer at your esteemed organization feels like a natural and exciting progression for my career.

During my time as the Lead Designer at Prestige Creations, I was instrumental in ushering a design renaissance, shifting our branding strategies to resonate better with the evolving market demographics. My team and I conceptualized and executed campaigns that led to a 50% increase in brand engagement over two years. This achievement wasn’t just a testament to my proficiency in tools like Adobe After Effects or XD but also underscored my ability to mentor junior designers and ensure our team’s synergy aligned with the company’s overarching objectives.

Your recent “Tech for Tomorrow” campaign is a stellar example of design meeting futurism. Drawing a parallel, I once spearheaded a campaign for a tech client at Prestige, where we amalgamated AR elements into our designs. This not only won us the “Innovative Design of the Year” award but also positioned our client as a frontrunner in tech innovation.

The potential of contributing to Innovative Designs Inc., a company that sits at the nexus of design and innovation, excites me. My vision as a Senior Graphic Designer isn’t just to bring my expertise to the table but to foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and impeccable design execution.

I’d welcome an opportunity to delve deeper into how my experience and vision can complement the ongoing and future projects at Innovative Designs.

Thank you for considering my application.

David Warner

About the Author

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How to Write a Paralegal Cover Letter (2 Examples)

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Using Graphic Organizers for Writing Essays, Summaries and Research

Ask any student – essay writing is one of the most despised tasks of their educational career. Perhaps there is so much displeasure associated with the task because it’s perceived as too linear – there isn’t enough visual and creative appeal. But if you use graphic organizer for writing essays then you can make writing enjoyable – or at least less terrible.

Not only enjoyable but graphic organizers (or diagrams) can make the writing process a snap. They’ll help you think outside the box, draw conclusions you wouldn’t normally observe, and make the entire process faster and more efficient.

Why Use Graphic Organizers for Writing

The phrase “graphic organizer” is just a fancy way of saying “diagram” or “visual aid.” Basically, they are a visual representation of the information you’ve acquired in the research process. There are quite a few reasons why you should use them when writing essays or summaries.

• Helps you visualize your research and how elements connect with each other
• Enhance your essays, summaries and research papers with visual elements
• Track correlations between your thoughts, observations, facts or general ideas

When it comes to essay writing, the most common graphic organizers are webs, mind maps, and concept maps .

Using Webs for Brainstorming

Webbing is a great way to see how various topics are interrelated. This graphic organizer is particularly useful during the brainstorming step of the writing process.

A web can sometimes get a bit messy. Usually, there are lots of arrows to connect overlapping ideas. However, even with lines crisscrossing every which way, it is still a great way to visualize your thoughts. If you’re using an online diagramming software like Creately you can overcome some of this because we automatically arrange the object for you.

Once you’ve created a map to document all your ideas and establish connections, you can easily transition to other forms of diagramming to better organize the information.

For example if you’re writing a research paper about the food web of the Australian bushes you can start creating a food web diagram similar to the one below. This way you can easily visualize the web while writing the paper. This is a simple example but graphic organizers become even more important when the subject gets complex.

Although simple this example shows the importance of using graphic organizers for writing summaries. A comprehensive diagram pretty much does the summation for you.

Using Mind Maps as Graphic Organizers

Mind maps are a great way to depict a hierarchy. What is hierarchical organization ? The concept is simple: a singular topic dominates with each subsequent idea decreasing in importance.

Usually, the mind map starts with the thesis (or main idea) at the center.  From there, you can branch out with your supporting evidence.

Use this process to replace your traditional note taking technique – note cards, outlines, whatever. You’ll quickly realize a mind map is a great way to formulate the structure of your essay. The thing to note here is that the nature of the mind maps force you think about sub topics and how to organize your ideas. And once the ideas are organized writing the essay become very easy.

Above is a mind map of a research proposal. Click on it to see the full image or you can see the fully editable template via this link . As you can see in this mind map the difference areas of the research proposal is highlighted. Similarly when your writing the research paper you can use a mind map to break it down to sub topics. We have more mind map templates for you to get started.

Concept Maps

A concept map will help you visualize the connection between ideas. You can easily see cause and effect – how one concept leads to another. Often times, concept mapping includes the use of short words or phrases to depict the budding relationship between these concepts.

If you look closely you can see that its very similar to a mind map. But a concept maps gives more of a free reign compares to the rigid topic structure of a mind map. I’d say it’s the perfect graphic organizer for writing research papers where you have the license to explore.

By creating a concept map , you can also see how a broad subject can be narrowed down into specific ideas.  This is a great way to counter writers block.  Often, we look at the big picture and fail to see the specifics that lead to it.  Identifying contributing factors and supporting evidence is difficult. But with a concept map, you can easily see how the smaller parts add up to the whole.

Why Bother With Graphic Organizers?

If you already detest the writing process, adding another step might seem insane. However, there really are several advantages of using them.  If you haven’t already accepted the benefits of each individual diagram style, here are some more perks of graphic organizers in general:

• Quality essays are based on detail. No one is going to accept your opinions and reasoning just because you say so. You’ll need proof. And organizing that proof will require attention to detail. Graphic organizers can help you see that detail and how it contributes to the overall concept.
• Graphic organizers are flexible. You don’t need one of those giant pink erasers. You don’t need to restructure your outline. All you have to do is draw a few arrows and bam – the relationship has totally changed.
• No matter what you are writing about, a graphic organizer can help. They can be used to structure an essay on the Great Wall, theoretical physics, or Spanish speaking countries.
• If you write an outline, can you easily see how point A influences point X? Probably not. But if little thought bubble A is sitting out there all by itself, you can visualize the way it ties into point R, T and X.
• Some of us find it difficult to put our opinions, thoughts, and ideas into writing. However, communicating our feelings with little doodles and sketches is far less threatening.
• As a writer, our brain often feels like a 2-year-old’s toy box – a big jumbled mess. Taking that mess and putting it onto paper with some semblance of organization is challenging. Rather than trying to take your thoughts from total chaos to a perfectly structured list, just try to get them out of your brain and onto paper in the form of a diagram.
• A graphic organizer helps you establish validity and relevance. You can easily nix the ideas that don’t support or enhance your thesis.

The next time you are faced with a writing project, take a few minutes to explore the efficiency of graphic organizers. You can find a wealth of templates here.

Have you ever used a graphic organizer to structure an essay? How did it go? Do you have a diagram suggestion for the writing process that wasn’t mentioned here? Let us know!

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Graphic Designer Cover Letter Guide with Tips, Examples and More

Craft the perfect Graphic Designer Cover Letter—Get Tips, Examples, and Expert Advice for Landing Your Dream Job. Let's Go!

Shaoni Gupta

Read more posts by this author.

Dreaming of landing that perfect graphic design job? Your cover letter is your first chance to make a lasting impression. It's not just about listing your skills – it's your opportunity to showcase your creativity and stand out from the crowd.

In this blog, we'll explore how to craft a cover letter that grabs attention and gets your foot in the door. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you create a cover letter that's as visually appealing as your portfolio.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Template for Beginners and Freshers

[Ellenor Smith] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

[Recipient's Name] [Recipient's Position] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient's Name] ,

I am writing to express my interest in the graphic designer position at [Company Name]. Having recently graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from [University/College Name] and obtained certifications in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and creativity to your team.

During my academic journey and internship experience at [Internship Company Name], I honed my branding, digital design, and project management abilities. Here are some highlights of my qualifications:

Certified in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

Completed a successful internship at [Internship Company Name], gaining valuable hands-on experience in branding and digital design.

Proficient in layout design, typography, color theory, and digital illustration .

Strong attention to detail and a passion for creating visually appealing design that resonate with target audiences.

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or role]. My technical skills, creative mindset, and internship experience make me a well-suited candidate for this position. I am eager to contribute to [Company Name] 's projects and learn from the talented team.

My resume, which provides further details about my background, skills, and experiences, is enclosed. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name] and its success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to [Company Name] 's continued growth and success.

Sincerely, [Ellenor Smith]

Did You Know? The global graphic design market is booming, reaching an estimated value of $78.25 billion by 2030. This signifies a growing demand for graphic designers.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Brief Sample for Beginners and Freshers

[David Smith] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

I am writing to express my interest in the graphic designer position at [Company Name]. I recently graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from [University/College Name] and am eager to begin my career in this field.

During my studies, I gained hands-on experience with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and developed skills in layout design, typography, and color theory. I have a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually compelling designs.

I am particularly drawn to [mention something specific about the company or role], and my creativity and technical skills make me a strong candidate. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and grow as a designer.

My resume, which provides more details about my background and experiences, is enclosed. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team's needs.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working with [Company Name].

Sincerely, [David Smith]

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Template For Experienced Individuals

[Rose Scott] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am excited to apply for the graphic designer position at [Company Name], as advertised. With [number of years] of experience in the industry and a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions, I am confident I can contribute effectively to your team.

• Achievements:

- Led design projects that resulted in [specific achievement or impact].

- Received [specific award or recognition] for outstanding designer work.

- Managed designer teams and coordinated projects from concept to completion .

• Experience:

- As. a Graphic Designer at [Previous Company Name], I developed expertise in [specific areas of design, e.g., branding, digital design, print media].

- Worked closely with clients to understand their vision and deliver designs that exceeded expectations.

- Collaborated with marketing and sales teams to create visually compelling campaigns.

- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

- Strong understanding of typography, color theory, and layout design.

- Experience with UI/UX Design principles and web design tools (optional if applicable).

I am particularly interested in [specific aspect of the company or role] and believe that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of this position. Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my background and accomplishments.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills can contribute to the success of [Company Name].

Sincerely, [Rose Scott]

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example For Experienced Individuals

[Henry Scott] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name] ,

I am excited to apply for the graphic designer position at [Company Name]. With [number of years] years of experience and a strong background in [specific areas of designer], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team .

• Key Points:

- Led successful design projects resulting in [specific achievement or impact].

- Received recognition for outstanding design work.

- Managed design teams and coordinated projects from concept to completion.

- [Your most recent position] at [Previous Company Name], focusing on [specific design responsibilities] .

- Collaborated closely with clients and internal teams to deliver high-quality design solutions .

- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and experienced in UI/UX design principles.

I am drawn to [specific aspect of the company or role], and I believe my skills and achievements align well with your needs. My resume is enclosed for your review.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to [Company Name] 's success.

Sincerely, [Henry Scott]

How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter?

1. Add a Header Section:

Write your contact information (name, address, phone number, email) at the top of the page. Add the Date of writing and the recipient's contact information (if known), including their name, title, and company address.

• Salutation:

Address the letter to the hiring manager or relevant person using their name, if possible. If unsure, use a generic greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."

• Add a Strong Introduction:

Begin with a strong opening sentence that states your interest in the graphic designer position and the company. Mention how you learned about the job opening, whether through a job listing, referral, or research about the company.

The field is becoming more gender-balanced, with women making up around 50.2% of graphic designers

• Explain Your Approach and Style:

Briefly explain your design approach and style, emphasizing how it aligns with the company's brand or the design trends relevant to the industry. Mention any design principles or techniques you consistently apply in your work.

5. Express Your Passion and Fit:

Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity to contribute to their projects and goals. Research the company's culture, values, and recent projects, and mention how you can contribute to their success.

6. Add a Strong Closing Paragraph:

Summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm. Include a call to action, such as expressing your desire for an interview to discuss how you can contribute further. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and signing off with a professional closing (e.g., "Sincerely," "Best regards").

7. Proofread and Edit :

Review your cover letter for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies.

Ensure the tone is professional, engaging, and tailored to the specific job and company.

8. Format and Presentation:

Use a clean and professional format for your cover letter, matching it with your resume in terms of style and font. Keep the length concise, typically no more than one page.

What should you include in a Graphic Designer Cover Letter?

• Include all skills and achievements:

Highlight and quantify your achievements (e.g., "Increased social media engagement by 30% through redesigned graphics"). List all the hard and soft skills required to be a graphic designer. For example-

Hard Skills

-Typography -Color Theory -Sketching -Microsoft Visio -Corel Draw -Trimble SketchUp -Computer-aided design (CAD) software (Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation) -Presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple iWork Keynote) -Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Creative Cloud) -Web development tools (Drupal, HTML, JavaScript, CSS)

Soft Skills

-Creativity -Communication -Attention to Detail -Time Management -Adaptability -Problem-Solving -Collaboration -Client Management

Adobe software reigns supreme, with over 80% of the graphic design software market share . Proficiency in programs like Photoshop and Illustrator is a major asset.

2. Brief Background:

Provide a concise overview of your background as a graphic designer, including your relevant education and any standout achievements.

3. Portfolio

Including a portfolio in your cover letter is essential because it will visually demonstrate your skills and creativity. It will provide concrete examples of your design work, showcasing your capabilities and making your application more compelling to potential employers.

4. Alignment with Job Requirements:

Align your skills and experiences with the job description, explaining how you meet the company's needs and can contribute to their goals.

• Include ATS-friendly keywords:

When writing your cover letter for a graphic designer role, it's important to incorporate ATS-friendly keywords.

These are specific terms and phrases related to the job that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for to identify qualified applicants.

Some ATS-friendly keywords for a graphic designer cover letter might include: -Adobe Creative Suite -Adobe Photoshop -Adobe Illustrator -Adobe InDesign -User Interface (UI) Design -User Experience (UX) Designer -Responsive Designer -HTML -CSS -JavaScript

Mistakes To Avoid In a Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Here are a few mistakes you must avoid while crafting a cover letter for the role of a graphic designer:

Ignoring Instructions: Don't overlook any specific instructions provided in the job posting regarding the cover letter format, required documents, or requested information. Follow the guidelines provided by the employer.

Overly Long or Complex Language : Keep your cover letter concise and straightforward. Avoid using overly complex language or technical jargon that may be difficult for the reader to understand.

Grammatical and Spelling Errors: Proofread your cover letter carefully to avoid grammatical mistakes, typos, and spelling errors. Use grammar-checking tools if needed to ensure accuracy.

Exaggerating or Misrepresenting Skills: Be honest about your skills and experiences. Avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your abilities, as this can lead to misunderstandings during the hiring process.

Not Including a Portfolio: If applicable, always include a link to your design portfolio or samples of your work. Your portfolio is a crucial aspect of showcasing your design skills and creativity.

Lack of Personalization : Avoid sending a generic cover letter without addressing the specific company or hiring manager. Personalize your cover letter by mentioning the company's name, relevant projects, or aspects of the job that interest you.

Here's a collection of cover letters for different jobs that you can explore:

Cover Letter for English Teacher

Cover Letter for a position in Chick-fil-A

Cover Letter for Sports Managers

Cover Letter for internship at UN

Blizzard Cover Letter

Tesla Cover Letter

CS Internship Cover Letter

Biomedical Scientist Cover Letter

Flight Attendant Cover Letter

Yelp Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

When crafting a cover letter, make sure you personalize your cover letter and align with the values and vision of the organization you are sending to. Do not send the same cover letter to different organizations.

Include ATS-friendly keywords when you're crafting your cover letter. This will help you get noticed more quickly.

Make sure you proofread and edit your document before sending it. Send you cover letters in the format asked by the organization.

This article has been written by Shaoni Gupta. She works as a content writer at Vantage Lens . Her areas of interest range from art to astronomy. When she's not writing, she is daydreaming about stepping into the worlds of high fantasy novels.

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Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to score a job as a Graphic Designer?

You're going to need an awesome cover letter. This guide is your one-stop-shop for writing a job-winning Graphic Designer cover letter  using our proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples.

All of the content in this guide is based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers (just like you!) who went on to land offers at the world's best companies.

If you want to maximize your chances of landing that Graphic Designer role, I recommend reading this piece from top to bottom. But if you're just looking for something specific, here's what's included in this guide:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Graphic Designer Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On A Graphic Designer Cover Letter

How To Address A Graphic Designer Cover Letter

• 3 Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Graphic Designer Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning graphic designer cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when they're hiring a Graphic Designer?

Companies love Graphic Designers that combine technical skills and creativity with relevant experience.

Technical skills include proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite — like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign — Figma, Microsoft Suite, G-suite, and an understanding of design principles and techniques. Creativity, on the other hand, is a valued skill in developing unique and compelling designs that appeal to the company's audience. Relevant experience can be demonstrated through a portfolio of past work that shows an ability to complete projects and tackle challenges in a professional setting.

Companies also appreciate communication skills and the ability to work well in a team, as designers often collaborate with other departments.

Your cover letter should show the company that your personality and your experience encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Graphic Designer cover letter:

• Properly address your letter: Begin your letter by addressing the hiring manager or team. Don't forget to state the specific Graphic Designer job you are interested in!
• Express your understanding of the company: Clearly articulate that you are well-familiarized with the company's products and the market, and tie this up with your skills, demonstrating how they align with their needs.
• Highlight your proficiency with specific languages and tools: Showcase your most relevant skills for the role, such as proficiency with design software tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Microsoft Suite, and G-suite.
• Tailor your cover letter for the job description: Emphasize your experience to meet the job requirements listed in the description.
• Be concise and clear: Your cover letter should be short, concise, and easy to read. Stick to one page and focus on the good stuff!
• End with a call to action: Close with a compelling call to action, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and inviting further discussion on how you can contribute to the company's success.
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written, error-free letter can make a strong first impression. I recommend using Hemingway App or Grammarly to do this.

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Graphic Designer Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Graphic Designer Keywords

The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a Graphic Designer cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Graphic Designer job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Development
• Illustrators
• Organization
• Cross-Functional
• Time Management
• Consistency
• Social Media
• Presentations

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your updated Graphic Designer cover letter
• Open a copy of your target Graphic Designer job description
• In the widget below, paste the job description and hit scan!

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant to the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

If you're ready to check it out, grab your target job description and run your first scan here:

To start, paste your target job description (or multiple job descriptions) into the box below:

Scan to help you identify keywords and skills within your target job description.

Scanning...

If you're more of a visual learner, here's a video walking through this whole process so you can follow along:

Personalization is what makes a cover letter stand out. That starts from the very first sentence where you greet the person reading your cover letter! There are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Hiring Manager's Name

The first, and best, is by including the hiring manager's name. Let's say that you discovered the hiring manager's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Company]

If you don't have the hiring manager's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start your cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples For 2024

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds who are all applying for Graphic Designer roles:

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to transition from a background as an elementary school teacher to a Graphic Designer role. This cover letter demonstrates how the author identifies and communicates their transferable skills:

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example #3: Business Analyst With Experience As A Freelancer

Our third example highlights a candidate with experience as a freelance Graphic Designer. Here is what their cover letter might look like:

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Graphic Designer cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

Just click any of the templates below to start building your cover letter using proven, recruiter-approved templates:

Free Job-Winning Cover Letter Templates, Have AI Write Yours in Less Than 2 Minutes .

Choose a cover letter template below to get started:.

Great Choice! Now, how do you want to write your cover letter?

Let AI write your unique cover letter using our proven templates.

Or use our templates to write your own from scratch.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use CoverBuild.io To Write Your Cover Letter In <2 Minutes

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to CoverBuild.io
• Select the “2 Minutes” option to have AI write your cover letter
• Select a template for your cover letter, then follow the 3 step process for sharing info about your experience and the target job with CoverBuild's AI
• Click “Generate My Cover Letter” and watch the tool write a unique cover letter that's personalized to your experience and your target job!

To make it even easier, you can select a cover letter template from the widget below to get started:

If you'd like to see the process in action, here's a video walking through all of the steps above:

Note:  I do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste any AI-generated content and submit your application. You should always review, revise, and personalize the content yourself before applying.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a hiring manager, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible for building applications to help achieve company goals.”

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The engagement your art has received on social media
• The brand visibility you helped increase
• The results from a campaign you helped develop

These outcomes will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Graphic Designer cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each role you apply to
• Start your cover letter with a personalized greeting for the hiring manager or team name
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App or Grammarly to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Graphic Designer interviews and job offers.

Now that your cover letter is taking care of, be sure to check out our guide on writing a job-winning Graphic Designer resume (with examples!).

Paula Martins

Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (With Template)

Gabriele Culot

December 13, 2023

Last Update

August 12, 2024

Table of Contents

A well-tailored cover letter: The key to job application success

Cover letter tips, how to structure your graphic designer cover letter, graphic designer cover letter template, get your career rolling with deel, key takeaways.

• A cover letter can be the most important element in a job application. Ensuring your profile stands out to recruiters is crucial to your professional success.
• A well-tailored cover letter should provide relevant information clearly and concisely. Focus on detailing your skills and why you are the right person for that specific role.
• The included Graphic Designer cover letter template provides an easy starting point to craft your own cover letters. Adapt and personalize it to fit your profile.

A well-written cover letter is key to quickly getting the attention of prospective employers. Among countless job seekers, resumes, and application letters, yours need to stand out on first impression if you want to ensure your job search  translates to a new role .

In this post, you will discover:

• Reasons why a well-crafted cover letter is key to professional success, from entry-level roles to senior positions
• Cover letter do’s and dont’s
• A Graphic Designer sample cover letter you can easily adapt and personalize

Ensuring you know how to write a cover letter that is clear, informative, and tailored to the role you are applying to will benefit you in many ways. Well-crafted cover letters have many benefits, which include:

• Showcasing relevance:  Tailoring your cover letter allows you to emphasize the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the specific job requirements. This immediately captures the attention of the  talent acquisition  team, recruiters, or human resources reps.
• Demonstrating research:  A good cover letter conveys your understanding of the organization's needs and illustrates how you can contribute to its success, signaling to potential employers that you've done your homework.
• Telling your story:  Each job application is unique, and a tailored cover letter enables you to craft a personalized narrative. It lets you connect your professional journey with the role's specific challenges and opportunities, making your application more compelling.
• Highlighting cultural fit:  Your cover letter allows you to address the company's values, mission, and culture. By aligning your experiences and values with those of the organization, you demonstrate a cultural fit and convey your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
• Addressing specific requirements:  Job postings often include  specific skills or qualifications  the employer is seeking. Tailoring your cover letter enables you to address these requirements directly, showcasing how you possess the desired attributes and can meet the company's expectations.

A great cover letter should reflect your professional profile and personality. However, no matter what your cover letter's content is, the tips below will help ensure the message you want to convey is clear and easily accessible to hiring managers.

• Keep it concise:  Aim for a cover letter length of 250-400 words. Be succinct in presenting your qualifications and experiences.
• Use a clean layout:  Opt for a professional and clean cover letter format with a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size of 10-12 points.
• Include contact information:  Provide your contact information at the top of the cover letter, including your name, phone number, and professional email address.
• Use headers and sections:  Organize your cover letter into clear sections with headers such as Introduction, Work Experience, and Achievements for easy readability.
• Maintain a professional tone:  Keep the tone of your cover letter professional and upbeat. Avoid overly casual language, and focus on showcasing your skills and experiences.
• Use keywords:  Incorporate relevant keywords from the Graphic Designer  job description  and company website into your cover letter. This can help your application pass through  applicant tracking systems (ATS)  used by many employers.
• Highlight achievements with bullet points:  Use bullet points to list specific accomplishments or notable projects. This makes it easier for the reader to grasp your accomplishments quickly.
• Use quantifiable data:  Whenever possible, include quantifiable data to demonstrate the impact of your achievements. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
• Match company tone:  Adapt your writing style to match the tone of the company and industry. Research the company's culture to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality.
• Showcase company knowledge:  Demonstrate your understanding of the company by referencing its values, mission, or recent achievements. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity to work for this specific organization.
• Address employment gaps (if applicable):  If you have employment gaps, briefly address them in a positive light, focusing on any skills or experiences gained during those periods.
• Proofread thoroughly:  Eliminate typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your cover letter multiple times. Consider using tools like Grammarly to catch any overlooked mistakes and ensure your English (or any language you use) is correct.
• Include a call to action:  Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and indicating your readiness for an interview.
• Follow submission instructions:  If there are specific instructions for submitting the cover letter, such as naming conventions or document formats, ensure that you adhere to them.
• Save as a PDF:  Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting it. This ensures that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and software.

While understanding the correct steps to write a cover letter is crucial to your professional success, knowing what mistakes to avoid is equally important. The best cover letter can easily be made useless by a tiny blunder. Avoid making the mistakes listed below; you will be halfway to your new job.

• Don't use a generic greeting:  Avoid generic salutations like "To whom it may concern," “Dear sir or madam, “ or “Dear hiring manager.“ Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person.
• Don't repeat your resume:  An effective cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Focus on specific experiences and achievements that showcase your qualifications for the role.
• Don't exaggerate or lie:  Be truthful in your cover letter. Exaggerating your qualifications or providing false information can harm your chances and damage your professional reputation.
• Don't use unprofessional email addresses:  Ensure that the email address you use in your contact information is professional. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional terms.
• Don't include irrelevant information:  Keep your cover letter focused on the job. Avoid including unrelated personal details or experiences that do not contribute to your suitability for the role.
• Don't use jargon unnecessarily:  While demonstrating your knowledge is essential, avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse the reader. Use clear and straightforward language.
• Don't sound overly eager:  Expressing enthusiasm is positive but can easily feel unauthentic if overdone.

Remember, the goal of a practical cover letter is to present your qualifications in a clear, organized, and compelling manner while adhering to professional standards.

Express your enthusiasm for the  Graphic Designer  position at [Company Name]. Convey your passion for visual storytelling and design, emphasizing your eagerness to contribute to the company's creative visual identity. If any referrals influenced your decision to apply, briefly mention them in this section.

About your current role

Emphasize the innovative design strategies you've implemented to enhance visual communication and success. Showcase your role in introducing specific design methodologies or tools that have yielded measurable outcomes, demonstrating your proficiency in driving positive change in the design process.

Connect your current graphic design responsibilities and projects to the value you would bring to the new role, underscoring your ability to contribute to the company's overall visual identity.

About your experience

Detail your hands-on experience in graphic design, ensuring adherence to established design principles and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Clearly communicate that your overall design skills and preparation for the role are solid and well-honed. Highlight any soft or transferable skills developed throughout your  career path .

Notable achievements

Showcase specific accomplishments that exemplify your skills as a Graphic Designer. Whether you played a key role in overcoming design challenges, contributed to the delivery of outstanding results, or led the visual transformation of a project, succinctly mention these achievements. Describe how they were measured and their impact on the team or organization.

Why you want to work there

Highlight specific aspects of the company's visual identity, mission, and values that resonate with your design aesthetics. Detail how these align seamlessly with your professional goals and how you envision contributing to the company's visual success. Connect your passion for graphic design with the unique attributes of the company that make it an ideal fit for your career aspirations.

Specific projects or initiatives that motivated you to apply

Demonstrate your thorough understanding of the organization by referencing specific design-related projects or initiatives that have captured your interest. Draw connections between these initiatives and your graphic design skills and experiences, emphasizing how your contributions align with the company's design goals. This shows your genuine interest and highlights your proactive approach to researching and aligning with the company's visual identity.

Conclude the letter by reiterating your eagerness to contribute to the success of the company's visual communication through your graphic design skills. Express your excitement about the possibility of further discussing how your skills and experiences align with the company's design objectives. Encourage the reader to  reach out with any questions  and sign off with a friendly yet professional salutation.

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am excited to express my interest in the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name]. With a passion for visual storytelling, a keen eye for design, and a proven track record of creating compelling visual elements, I am eager to bring my creative skills to contribute to your dynamic team.

About my current role

In my current position as a Graphic Designer at [Current Company], I have:

• Designed and produced a wide range of visual materials, including digital and print assets, resulting in a [percentage] improvement in brand aesthetics and recognition.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to translate concepts into visually appealing designs, contributing to a [percentage] increase in the overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
• Utilized industry-standard design software and tools, such as [specific design software], to create high-quality, engaging visual content.

About my Graphic Designer experience

My experience extends to:

• Creating and refining design concepts based on feedback, ensuring that the final product aligns with brand guidelines and objectives.
• Developing visual assets for various mediums, including social media, websites, presentations, and marketing collateral.
• Staying abreast of design trends and industry best practices to consistently deliver fresh and innovative design solutions.

Some of my notable achievements include:

• Designing and implementing a visually impactful [specific project or campaign], resulting in a [measurable outcome] increase in audience engagement.
• Successfully collaborating on the redesign of [specific brand element], which contributed to a [percentage] improvement in brand perception.
• Creating a series of [specific visual assets] that received positive feedback and contributed to a [measurable outcome] increase in brand awareness.

Why I want to work for [Company]

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] due to its reputation for [mention aspects unique to the company and are a core part of its mission and values such as commitment to creativity, innovation in the industry, dedication to quality,...]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my graphic design skills to support your organization in creating visually compelling and effective communication materials.

Specific projects or initiatives of [Company] that motivated me to apply

In researching [Company Name], I was impressed by your recent initiatives in [specific project or achievement]. I believe my background in graphic design aligns seamlessly with your organizational objectives. My passion for creating visually stunning designs and my commitment to delivering high-quality and impactful visuals would make me a valuable addition to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the Graphic Designer role at [Company Name]. I look forward to contributing to your team's success.

[Your Full Name]

Your job application is your chance to tell your professional story, and a well-tailored cover letter is your narrative's opening chapter. Remember that personalization is key. Make each word count, emphasizing how your background uniquely positions you as the ideal candidate, and get your dream job. 

Looking for even more inspiration?  Discover how to write a stellar cover letter in 5 steps .

Discover more tips and tools to help boost your career further and climb the steps to your dream job on  the get-hired content hub .

About the author

Gabriele Culot is a content manager and writer passionate about exploring the future of work and its opportunities. An advocate of remote and flexible work models, he is a strong believer in their power to expand access to opportunities and help build richer and more diverse connections. At Deel, he focuses on worker-related and community content, from immigration guides to workplace innovation, from digital nomad lifestyle to workplace wellbeing.

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The Graphic Design Cover Letter Guide (Examples & Templates)

Learn how to write a graphic design cover letter that lands interviews. Find design cover letter examples, templates, and tips.

Renee Fleck

Written by Renee Fleck

Published on Sep 19, 2022

Last updated Mar 11, 2024

Great graphic designers put a lot of thought and effort into curating and presenting their work because they know a designer’s portfolio is one of the most important tools in the job hunting toolbox. 

But as every graphic designer knows, each project you work on requires more than one tool. So whether you’re seeking your next freelance gig, agency job, or landing your first internship, you also need a great resume and cover letter. Already have a great graphic designer resume ? In this article, get tips for perfecting your graphic design cover letter so it stands out to hiring managers.

The goal of a graphic design cover letter

The field of graphic design is competitive, so breaking through to recruiters and hiring managers is challenging. Even with a beautiful portfolio, if your application doesn’t grab someone’s attention, it could sink beneath a sea of other applications. If no one ever bothers to open your application, the design portfolio you spent so much time on goes unseen. 

A graphic design cover letter is a summary of you, your skills, and an explanation of why you want the design job and why you’re the right fit.

A cover letter is the first step in catching the attention of prospective employers or others. It’s a summary of you, your skills , and an explanation of why you want the graphic designer position and why you’re right for the job. For designers, submitting a  job application  without grabbing the reader’s attention is like publishing a magazine without a cover. 

What should your graphic design cover letter include?

Before getting into specific elements of a good cover letter, it’s important to note that cover letters should be concise. When speaking to potential employers, the goal is to spark interest, not tell a grand narrative — which might be a relief for designers who don’t think of themselves as writers.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the essential elements of a cover letter:

• An attractive header:  Every cover letter you send should include a header that matches your personal and professional brand. It should also have all of your contact info, such as your phone number and email address, and relevant links, such as your portfolio, Dribbble, and LinkedIn profile.
• An engaging introduction:  The initial personalized salutation and the introductory paragraph of your cover letter should serve as a way to grab the reader’s attention. Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name and briefly explain why you’re interested in the job and company.
• Convincing body paragraphs:  In two or three paragraphs, the body of your letter should tell the reader who you are as a designer, why you believe you’re a great fit for the job, and what you like about the position and company’s mission. Include the  kind of graphic design experience you have as well as any successes to back up your stated experiences, such as design awards, certifications, or any other achievements.
• A call to action:  Finally, your cover letter’s sign-off should thank the hiring manager for their time and encourage them to learn more about you. You might also briefly reiterate your interest and enthusiasm and include an additional link to your portfolio or other contact information.

There are exceptions to these rules, of course. Some companies tell you what to include in a cover letter, so be sure to read the job description carefully. But besides any unique requests by the business, the checklist above is widely accepted and expected in graphic design. 

How do I write about myself as a graphic designer?

It’s not uncommon for designers, especially those early in their careers, to recoil at the thought of writing a strong cover letter. But writing pulls from the same skills that designers already have, specifically communication and creative problem-solving.

Writing pulls from the same skills that designers already have: Communication and creative problem-solving.

The key to writing about yourself as a graphic designer is to take a step back and look at the problem objectively. Imagine yourself as the employer, and ask yourself about the design projects you’ve worked on, your achievements, and your strengths as a designer. The answers to these questions are the essence of what you’ll write in your cover letters.

How to write a cover letter for a graphic design position

Writing a cover letter that packs a punch still takes some practice, but starting with a process can help ease you into the practice. After writing a few cover letters, you’ll find the process becomes second nature. And hopefully, by this point, you’ll find yourself in a position where you’re designing rather than writing. 

✔️ Learn everything you can about the company and position

Before you tackle the writing part of your cover letter, sit down and read through the  graphic design job description . Take note of anything that stands out to you, such as when the description mentions tools you excel at or skills you feel you demonstrate well. 

Once you’ve done this, head to the company’s website and explore what it does. Take note of anything that stands out or resonates with you, including overall web design. As a graphic designer, you’ll probably examine the company’s brand identity. Apply this same skill to its brand voice and write a few adjectives describing it. 

Lastly, if you haven’t found out already, make an effort to learn the name of the person who receives the applications. If at all possible, avoid opening a cover letter with “to whom it may concern” or other generic greetings. Instead, address the hiring manager or recruiter directly with a simple salutation and their first or last name. 

✔️ Turn your notes into an outline

The best way for new writers to tackle writing projects is by breaking them down via outlines. Borrowing from the elements listed earlier, designate an introduction, two or three paragraphs for the body, and a sign-off. You can simply jot down ideas for these sections in bullet points. This is your outline.

Now you can go back to your notes and start fitting them into place. Most of your writing should be in the body, but if there’s something that excites you about the company or position, you can include it in the introduction. Likewise, you can weave this theme throughout, mentioning it in your sign-off.

✔️ Draft (and rewrite) your cover letter

Now it’s time to start writing. Hopefully, by now, your research and note-taking put a few ideas in your head. Write them down without judging them. As you go through this process, you’ll get better ideas about what to say and how to say it.

Keep in mind, a cover letter is a hook — not a complete story or resume. While you should talk about your work experience and graphic design skills in a broad sense, avoid explaining something like your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Keep these mentions in your resume alongside those about Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

Think back to the brand of the company you’re applying to. Try to match the tone of your wording to that of the company.

Finally, once you know what you want to say, you can rewrite and polish your words. At this stage, think back to the brand of the company you’re applying to. Try to match the tone of your wording to that of the company. For example, if you’re applying to a business that has a playful, casual brand, write a little casually. On the other hand, if you’re applying to an agency that services clients, you’ll want to write a more professional cover letter.

✏️ Graphic Design Cover Letter Template

A good template is a great way to get your writing mind moving in the right direction. Below is a graphic designer cover letter template that you can fill out and use as a starting point for your own letters:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m writing about the job listing on the [Company Name] website for a new graphic designer. I’ve always found inspiration in [Company Name] ’s work, and I’m excited to offer my creative talents and expertise!

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with companies like [Company Name] and [Company Name] to build brands that form lasting impacts on their audiences. My work spans all types of graphic design, from print and packaging to logo design and visual identity.

Experience aside, [Company Name] ’s mission and values resonate deeply with my own, and in addition to my passion for graphic design, I bring a deep sense of commitment to [Company Name]’s overall mission. 

I’d love to speak with you more about the graphic design opportunity and explore how my skills can help [Company Name] achieve its goals. I’ve attached my portfolio and resume. 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

[Your Name]

Graphic design cover letter examples

As all graphic designers know, great examples lead the way when it comes to inspiring your creativity. Here are a few cover letter samples to get you moving. 

✏ Design internship cover letter example

Hello John Doe,

I’m writing about the internship you posted for [Company Name] . As a passionate graphic designer set to graduate this year, I’m thrilled about the opportunity, and I’d like to take a moment to tell you why I’d be a great fit for the role.

As mentioned, I’m graduating this year with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from [University] . When I began my formal education, my skills in creative problem solving and practical design tools were already well-honed. During my sophomore year, I won the Indigo Design Award for Graphic Design of the Year.

This brings me to the internship opportunity at [Company Name] . The work your company does is inspirational and innovative, and that work is one of the reasons I started designing at such an early age. I’m certain that the opportunity to challenge myself in such an inspiring environment would have a profound impact on my talent as a designer. In turn, I would strive to exceed the standards set for this opportunity.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to speak to you more about the internship. I’ve attached my resume as well as a robust portfolio through which you can explore my work in detail. Thank you for considering me for this amazing opportunity, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Emily McDribbble

✏ Entry-level graphic design cover letter example

Hi Jane Doe,

I came across the posting on [Design Agency’s] website for a new graphic designer, and I wanted to write to express my interest. As a close follower of [Design Agency’s] work from the beginning of my career, the word “interest” is a bit of an understatement.

Since graduating 2 years ago, I’ve worked for [Agency Name] as an intern designing logos, infographics, visual identities, advertisements, and a handful of billboards. In fact, I was a key designer on [Company Name’s] brand refresh last year!

While I love the work I do, over the last year, I’ve immersed myself in design thinking and collaborative design while learning HTML and CSS in my spare time. I believe I’d make a great addition to the [Agency Name] team since the position entails split responsibilities between branding and creating design systems for web applications. 

I’ve attached my resume and portfolio, and I’d love the opportunity to speak to you further. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

✏ Freelance design cover letter example

Hi John Doe,

I noticed on LinkedIn that you were looking for a freelancer for your company’s rebranding project. I’m a  freelance graphic designer  specializing in brand identity, and it just so happens I’m wrapping up some client work and looking for my next project. 

I have over 6 years of experience working with boutique, high-value brands. My most recent work includes a rebrand of [Company Name] and the visual identity for a new startup, [Company Name]. My expertise and skills span logo design and visual identity, packing design, and design systems for websites, to name a few. 

I have a few ideas regarding your aim of reaching higher-value clients. Not long ago, I helped [Company Name] accomplish this same goal. Having taken an inventory of your brand’s identity across your web and social media presence, I’m certain I can help. 

If you’d like to see more of my work, you can visit my  freelance portfolio  at graphicdesignportfolio.com where you’ll also find some helpful case studies. When you have the time, get in touch and we can set up a quick call to see if we’re a good fit for each other.

Thanks for reading,

✏ Experienced designer cover letter example

I’m a senior graphic designer with a decade of experience, and I’m as passionate about the work now as when I first started. I leap at the opportunity to solve difficult creative problems that result in helping brands grow and evolve. For this reason, I believe I’m a great fit for the Lead Graphic Designer position at [Company Name].

Having worked on countless design projects across print and digital — and with teams large and small — I’m confident I can lead [Company Name’s] design team to new heights. In my current role as Lead Designer at [Company Name] , I’ve had the opportunity to lead other designers in creating print and digital material through multiple ad campaigns. Our most recent efforts resulted in a 47% increase in conversions on our website. 

Design skills aside, I hold [Company Name] in high regard as an inclusive business that takes diversity seriously. I feel that the qualities of a great leader are humility and empathy, and I make a conscious effort to lead in this manner. I’m certain that my expertise can help [Company Name] become a better company, and [Company Name] can help me become a better individual.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope we get the chance to speak more about the opportunity.

How do you answer “Why should we hire you?” 

This notorious question is asked at nearly every  graphic design job interview  and for many designers early in their career, it can be a tough one to answer. Fortunately for you, if you followed the process outlined above, you’ve already set the stage for why the company should hire you. To top it off, all the research and thinking you did as part of the writing process is the material you’ll draw from when your great cover letter lands you an interview. 

Get hired in graphic design

The job search for the right graphic design job can be tumultuous. If there’s an edge you can give yourself that improves your chances of landing a position, by all means, go for it. Great cover letters can be one of those edges.

Likewise, if you’re on the hunt for a new graphic design role, a great place to start is the  Dribbble job board , where you can find the latest opportunities in graphic design and related fields. Dive in, find a job, and start practicing your cover letter writing skills today.

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Trending Post : 12 Powerful Discussion Strategies to Engage Students

Using Student-Created Graphic Organizers to Elevate Learning

Inside this Post:  Need to deepen student investment in graphic organizers? Try differentiating. One of the highest levels of choice we can offer is student-created graphic organizers. Find the details in this post! (This post is the last in a four-part series about ways to use graphic organizers better. Interested in the others? Read about modeling with organizers , creating visual appeal , and encouraging critical thinking .)

So, you’ve created graphic organizers with high-quality visuals and embedded scaffolds, you’ve shown students exactly how you expect them to be completed, and you’ve put in place multiple opportunities for elevated thinking, but it feels like something is still missing. Which scenario below feels more like your experience?

Scenario 1 :

You confidently hand out a graphic organizer, thoroughly model how to complete it, and send students off to work independently. You make your way over to a student whose hand is raised and answer their question. While you are chatting with this student, you can feel it–someone is standing behind you waiting not-so-patiently. When you turn around, you see a long line of students waiting to ask their own questions! Now, you are frazzled and a bit overwhelmed, making it hard to provide feedback for the students who are working independently. And, even worse, many students are off-task while they wait to ask you their question. Chaos and a lack of meaningful learning were not on the menu today!

Scenario 2 :

You confidently hand out a graphic organizer and show the students a few options for how they can choose to complete it. You’ve left room for students to add things you hadn’t considered. Students can even decide not to use the graphic organizer at all!  You make your way over to a student whose hand is raised and answer their question. As you’re chatting with this student, you glance around the room and notice that students are quietly engaged in their work, reading for meaning and thinking deeply. Score!

Obviously, we all want to be living in Scenario 2! So, what is the difference between these scenarios? CHOICE! Teaching students to complete graphic organizers independently has a truly simple solution. 

A major problem with graphic organizers is students don’t usually have the choice to NOT use one. It’s no secret that choice is a powerful and valuable tool in the classroom. When students feel like they have some say in what they are doing and why they are doing it, they are much more likely to engage.

There are so many ways to offer choices to students when it comes to graphic organizers, but in this post, I will share three ideas that you can use in your classroom right away!

#1. This or That Approach

If you have two or more graphic organizers that work for the same skill or concept, use them to offer choice. If students are familiar with how to use each of them, let them choose the organizer they like best. Make sure the same level of thinking is required with each organizer, if that matters for your lesson. The goal is for students to choose the graphic organizer that best meets their needs. 

In the example below, students are offered two graphic organizers to help them analyze the setting and how it impacts the theme. Both organizers include visuals and scaffolds as well as require deeper thinking from students. But by offering students BOTH of the organizers, you have given them some ownership.

Option #1 offers more specific prompts and sentence frames to help students who may need a little more support with this concept. Option #2 would be more appropriate for a student who has a solid understanding of this concept, but it still requires the same level of thinking. You won’t have to worry about students choosing the “easier” task, because both tasks require deeper thinking and analysis.

#2 Choose Your Own Adventure Approach

If you are in a position to offer a review or practice , this approach can be fun. Remember when I talked about the filing cabinet full of multipurpose graphic organizers ?–This is a time when that cabinet comes in handy! When you are spiraling back over some short story concepts, or you’ve just finished a novel study with plenty of lessons on reading skills, let students choose a concept that they feel they should work on. 

Lay out some graphic organizers that cover a variety of concepts ( i.e. – predicting, visualizing, inference, connecting ), and let students choose the one they feel they need to work on most. (You may need to quickly confer with students to help them make the best choice for them.) In order to see independent success with the Choose Your Own Adventure method, make sure that these concepts have already been taught and modeled . 

I love using my Reading Companions for the Choose Your Own Adventure approach. Students can choose from graphic organizers that focus on setting, point of view, text structure, visualizing, and so much more. Each graphic organizer requires the same level of thinking, but students are free to choose one based on their personal literacy goals. One student may be searching for clues to the text’s structure and analyzing how certain sentences fit into the overall text, while others may be analyzing the author’s point of view and how it impacts the main idea. 

My build-your-own reading guide graphic organizers offer the same flexibility for story elements. This approach offers so many options for students, while allowing you to help them with specific, personalized skills and strategies. Allow students to choose one to complete before coming to a group discussion!

#3. Power Up Approach! 

We must recognize that graphic organizers are scaffolds, and at some point, students don’t need that scaffolding anymore. That’s when it’s time to elevate the level of thinking required even more, which can be done by allowing students to design their own graphic organizers . The ultimate goal of teaching is to develop lifelong learners who know how to learn on their own. 

Wondering if your students are ready to design their own graphic organizers? Here are some signs to look for:

• Students can tell you what an article or text means in their own words.
• They can independently complete the assigned graphic organizers successfully.
• They appear to be bored or not challenged by the graphic organizers.
• They ask outside-the-box questions like, “Can I color code this part…?” or they create a legend for their answers.
• They naturally organize their notes in a way that helps them process information.
• When you ask them to explain what they are doing and why, they can tell you without guidance.

After you’ve selected the students who will design their own organizers, you’ll need to think through HOW to get started. 

Even though a student may be ready to make their own graphic organizer, it’s important to recognize that this is a totally new skill and must be modeled! To help students make their own organizers, they need to understand and verbalize the learning target. They also need to be able to identify any essential questions or concepts they should think about as they create. If they don’t know their WHY, they aren’t going to be successful.

Let me illustrate using a specific example: Common Core standard RI.7.5 asks students to “analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.” We need to model for students how to ask questions.

Sample Questions:

• What is the main point of this text?
• What structure does the author use to organize the text? (sequence, description, problem and solution, compare and contrast, cause and effect, argumentation?)
• How do the major sections of the text contribute to the main idea?
• How can you use containers (shapes) and connectors (arrows) to show the relationships and connections among ideas on your organizer? – entering into sketchnote territory here!
• Does your organizer need any explanations to clarify ideas? 
• Would your organizer benefit from any definitions?

Below, you will see an example that I use with students. Based on RI.7.5 , students should be able to figure out that they need to identify the text structure (problem and solution in this case) and use evidence and visuals to analyze the text. This example shows students that two containers and one arrow can be used to show the relationship between the problem and the solution. It also shows that complete sentences are necessary for this task. Including my “takeaways” encourages students to go the extra million when creating their organizers.

This organizer isn’t fancy or extremely artistic. Yet, I’ll never forget what I learned in the article because of how deeply creating my own graphic organizer made me think about the content I read. I had to comprehend the article, analyze how the author structured the ideas, and then decide how to organize my learning creatively.

FLEXIBILITY

Student-created graphic organizers can be the structured organizers we visualize as graphic organizers, or they can be more fluid… mind maps or sketchnotes , for example. Most of us have used graphic organizers for a million years, so we visualize more stereotypical versions. But we need to expand our understanding of what graphic organizers can be! We need to transcend that traditional interpretation to be more broadly inclusive. Students need to feel empowered to show the information in a way that makes sense to them. 

The example pictured below shows a student-created formula for writing complete sentences. This student clearly understands that they need to include a subject and a predicate, along with proper conventions. Imagine how powerful this graphic organizer would be as students learn more and more about grammar–they would be able to visualize exactly how their new learning fits in with their prior knowledge.

When students design their own organizers, they have to think more critically about what they know and don’t know. Gaps in understanding start to become apparent, which offers the opportunity to work with students on exactly the right skills. They have to keep reflecting on the learning target and the goal. If students are not successful with creating the graphic organizer, they can always CHOOSE to use one that already exists! 

If you’d like a quick mini lesson to teach your students the basics about creating their own graphic organizer, you can find a free, quick lesson in my resource library , which is full of exclusive resources for teachers on my email list. 

Now that you have the WHO and the HOW, let’s talk about WHEN it’s ideal to help students make their own graphic organizers.

Typically, I recommend covering a variety of notetaking strategies during the first quarter, including sketchnoting . Once students feel confident with note taking strategies, it’s fair to ask them to start applying them to graphic organizers! But, don’t expect immediate mastery. Tons of learning and practice will go into preparing students to make their own graphic organizers. That is not a step we want to rush! Student-created graphic organizers are a sure way to elevate thinking and engagement.

REMOVING THE SCAFFOLDS

Recently, I was listening to an episode of Amplify’s “Science of Reading: The Podcast”. In the May 31 episode titled “Scaffolding is built to be temporary with Zaretta Hammond”, Hammond talks about how baby elephants are trained. This might not seem related, but hear me out! When trainers begin working with baby elephants, they use heavy chains around their ankles to keep them from escaping. After a while, the trainers can remove the chain and the elephants don’t go anywhere. The elephants stay in one spot, but they believe they can’t move.

While scaffolds are a necessary part of the learning process, they can become chains that keep students from believing in their ability to grow. Students will eventually embrace easy, passive thinking processes and begin to push back against higher-order tasks. 

As teachers, we need to make sure that we are looking for ways to slowly remove scaffolds (yes, even graphic organizers!), so students can see what they are capable of! 

Choice is one of the most powerful things we can offer students. We can do this by allowing them to choose the best graphic organizer or concept for them, based on their goals. However, we have to keep in mind that scaffolds are meant to be eliminated gradually. When they are ready, we can increase their thinking and engagement by letting them create their own visual representations! The three approaches discussed in this post are a great place to start, but there are so many ways to offer choice when it comes to graphic organizers!

Avoid creating issues where students are stuck believing that they can’t achieve without the help of someone else. Empower them to find what works best for them. They deserve it!

____________________________________________________________

This post is the fourth in a series about better graphic organizers. Find the other posts in this series linked below:

Modeling with Graphic Organizers: A Surefire Way to Increase Learning

3 Ways to Inspire Students with Eye-Catching Graphic Organizers

How Specialized Graphic Organizers Can Encourage Critical Thinking

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